MSG (Ret) Donald Ray Mikles

Donald Ray Mikles, one of nine children born to the late Alfred Taylor and Ella (Owens) Mikles, was born July 23, 1934 in Newhall, West Virginia where he grew up and graduated from school. Shortly after graduation, Don entered the United States Army and spent the next 21 years faithfully serving his country. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Bars (4), Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star and Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars. Don was united in marriage to Jeanine Marie Boqual. They shared several years of marriage together before she preceded Don in death on June 13, 1982. After retiring from the military, Don continued to serve his country while working as a civil service employee on Fort Leonard Wood. He taught woodworking for ten years at the Skill Development Center. In his spare time, Don enjoyed traveling to Florida every winter, fishing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He loved to help people, especially his family and First Christian Church family. He attended First Christian Church of Waynesville every chance that he was able. Don went home to be with his Lord Monday, May 26, 2014 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 79 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Don leaves to cherish his memory his dear friend of 27 years: Ida Newkirk of Rolla, MO and her sons: Robert & Rose Newkirk, Gene & Sylvia Newkirk & Mike & Karen Newkirk; two close nephews: Earnest & Frances Mikles of Fairmont, WV & Kelly & Carol Mikles of Clearmont, FL; several other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by eight siblings: Roy, Charles, Mildred, William Grant, Kathleen, Paul, Billie Jean and Ernst. Services were held at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, May 29, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Gary Holt officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “Softly and Tenderly” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Resurrection Cemetery of St. Robert. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Don Mikles to the First Christian Church of Waynesville and may be left at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret) Donald Ray Mikles

July 23, 1934 - May 26, 2014