Donald Edwin Dye 1921-2003

Donald Edwin Dye, one of five children born to the union of the late Elbert and Mary (McMillian) Dye, was born Sept. 29, 1921 near Colley Hollow in Pulaski County.
At the age of 12, Donald made his profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and was baptized in the Gasconade River. He was a member of the Berean Baptist Church near Richland.
Donald attended school at Turkey Ridge and Richland High School. He was a WW II veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. For his dedicated and honorable service, Donald was awarded several medals and commendations.
On June 13, 1996, Donald was united in marriage with Betty Louise (Botkin) Combs in Richland.
For over 30 years, Donald worked as a fork lift operator for Trans America Trucking Company in St. Louis. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 600. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and working around his beloved home. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.
Donald went home to be with his Lord the afternoon of June 15, 2003 at St. John's Breech Regional Medical Center in Lebanon, at the age of 81 years.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Betty, of the home; one daughter, Catherine Vogt and her husband Dennis of St. Louis; and one son, David Dye of Gladstone. He also leaves three stepchildren: Rebecca Poertner and husband Vaughn and Patricia Hayes and husband Delbert, all of Eldon, and Jeremiah Combs and wife Jamie of Springfield; one brother, Ralph, of Winnebago, Ill.; 12 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Donald was a very quiet, kind man, and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Donald joins in heaven his brother, Gilbert Dye (1984), and sister, Lois Jackson (2003).
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at the Berean Baptist Church of Richland with Rev. Eddie Brandt and Rev. Billy Elam officiating. Pat Elam accompanied Flo Howlett as she sang "Amazing Grace" and "Mansion Over the Hilltop." Serving as escorts were Jerry Combs I, Jerry Combs II, Delbert Hayes, Dennis Vogt, Jason Vogt and Jeff Vogt. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery in Waynesville.