Donald Lee Ives

Donald Lee Ives of Cuba, Missouri was born October 4, 1928 at Cherryville, Missouri to the union of Seldon and Lena (nee Wright) Ives and left from this life on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Cuba, Missouri at the age of 83. Don was united in marriage to Marcella Marie Dyer on May 10, 1952 when they eloped in Arkansas. To this union three children were born Pamela, Steven and Donald. Don proudly served his country while in the United States Army. Don started his service in 1947 in the 511th Airborne earning his 'Jumping Wings' and 'Sharp Shooter' ribbons. Don was injured during a parachuting exercise nevertheless, Don continued serving his country while in Yokohama, Japan in the Inspector 8th Army Headquarters. Don had many business ventures owning various night clubs. He went into insurance sales with Mark Twain Life Insurance Company where he served as Regional Manager, earning many sales awards. Don also had a car business, "Don Ives Motors", until his retirement in the early 1990's. Don never really retired but built duplexes, homes and sold real estate both Cuba and in Florida. Don enjoyed playing the guitar, body building, riding and breaking horses and trading cattle. Don felt like his biggest accomplishment in his life was finding his way to the Lord when he was baptized and was active in his church by singing in the choir and playing his guitar. He also was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cuba, the Steelville's Lebanon Masonic Lodge #77 and served one year as Masonic Chaplain. Don was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seldon and Lena Ives, wife, Marcella of 58 years in 2010, one son, Donald "Donnie" Ives in 1996; four brothers, Ed, Delmar, Harles, and Ansley 'Hank' Ives; one sister, Wilma Bouse and other relatives and friends. Those who are left to treasure his memory and to continue his legacy are his daughter Pamela Schwieder of O'Fallon, Missouri, son Steven and wife Theresa Ives of Cuba, four grandchildren Caleb, Malachi and Ian Ives and Alexandra Schweider, three sisters Marvel Kaysinger of St. Louis and Norma Jean Belt of Cuba and Hallie Bouse, special caregiver Melody Martin, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 10:00 till 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 606 W Myrtle, Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2012 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 606 W Myrtle with Pastor Bob Knight officiating. Special music was provided by Mike and Shelly Robinson and Darlene Cape. Honored to serve as pall bearers are Caleb, Malachi and Ian Ives, Tom Bouse, Melvin Kamler, Jim Shockley and Lawrence Elrod. Interment with full military honors will follow at Meramec Hills Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. The Mizell Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Ives family.

Visitation Details

Thursday, May 31st, 2012 10:00am - 11:00am, First Baptist Church of Cuba

Service Information

Thursday, May 31st, 2012 11:00am, First Baptist Church of Cuba

Interment Details

Meramec Hills Cemetery