Donald Heskett (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Pa Pa’s last ride: May 22, 2023
Some Walk Through Heaven’s Gate, Some Ride!
Donald Robert Heskett, known affectionately as Pa Pa for the past thirty years, began his ride on January 11, 1944. The first stop on his journey was Junction City, Kansas where he met his parents Thelma and William Heskett. Joining his ride was his brother Mike, sister Sheila and for a brief time his other sister Sharon. In the early years, the ride was tough and full of hard knocks and soon Don was aimlessly travelling many routes and avenues.
Then, in 1960, Don met JoAnne Sapp and they fell in love. Don asked JoAnne to marry him and on June 7, 1963, they began their journey together. The union proved to be exactly what they each needed, and they began to ride the chosen path they dreamed of together.
This path led to three children, Don Heskett Jr, Shelli, and Brian (Melissa). The family was close and decided to ride many roads together enjoying as much scenery as they could. Eventually, more Heskett’s joined the ride including nine grandchildren: Tanner, Amber, Cody, Cassidy, Tyler, Ashley, Dusty, Amanda, Eddie and seven great-grandchildren: Jaden, Kadence, Jared, Kolton, Colton, Sophia and Graham as well as several nieces and nephews. Don retired from General Motors in 1999 after 34.3 years of service.
As the years flew by, Pa Pa Heskett and his family continued their ride finding new territory to explore and enjoy along the way. Sixty years after marrying the love of his life, Pa Pa had to bow out of the family ride to pursue his heavenly travels and although the family will miss him dearly, they are resolved to continue the ride he cherished.
Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church in Bolivar, Mo. on Tuesday, May 30 at 1:30 PM. under the care of Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar, Mo. Burial to follow in the Humansville Cemetery.
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