Donald Leo Scott

Donald Leo Scott (“Don”, “Donnie”, “Scotty”) passed into eternity on July 3, 2024, at the age of 82. Don was born the youngest of three sons to Alfred Wayne Scott (1912-1981) and Leva Virginia (Wade) Scott (1913-1979) in Waynesville, Missouri on December 19, 1941. In 1964, at a little restaurant in downtown Waynesville, Don met Glenna Louise McDaniel (1944-2018), daughter of James William McDaniel (1905-1986) and Edith Malderine (Hudson) McDaniel (1908-1972) of Richland, Missouri. Glenna quickly became smitten with Don, a handsome race car driver, and the couple was united in marriage at the Waynesville Church of Christ on October 9, 1965. Don and Glenna raised three children, Deanna Lynn Thompson (Scott), Mary Elizabeth Gillis (Scott), and James Donald Scott. Through their years together, Don and Glenna enjoyed music, dancing, bowling, traveling in their RV, and (most of all), spending time with their family and friends. In 2015, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal in the presence of their family and friends. Don was baptized at the Waynesville Church of Christ, and he later became a member of Faith Baptist Church in Waynesville. Don was a friend to many over the years and has never met a stranger. He lived with a zest for life and service. There was always a seat at the table or an open bed for anyone who needed a place to be “home”. He took care of people and he loved to feed them. Even in his final days from his bed, he welcomed anyone with the open-door policy he has always had, “come on in, I’ve got some (bbq, cantaloupe, soup, cake).” At the drop of a hat, Don would go out of his way to help anyone - friends, family, and strangers alike. Don’s life took many shapes. Born and raised in St. Robert/Waynesville, he grew up with the town. His work took on many forms — from a shoeshiner, to a cab driver, to a school bus driver. He worked for many years at Oakwood Motor Company. He drove an oil rig, managed Gateway Auto Sales, was a co-owner of D&D Mobile, and the owner of Scott’s Auto Sales. But his life outside of his career was one of service. He served as an alderman and treasurer for St. Robert beginning in 1972. In 1984, he was elected to serve as the Mayor of St. Robert. During his time in office, he was part of big progress in the rapidly expanding community. His open heart and open arms brought the community together through the development of the St. Robert Community Center, which was a host site for youth and recreational sports, and the fall festival - which brought in concerts, banquets, speakers, and more. On Sundays, during his time in office, Don would often host spaghetti or chili suppers, which were open free to community members. Don, his family, friends, and other community volunteers, would cook and serve the meals. He also served the community as a member of the Shrine Club of Waynesville. Through community service with the Shiners, he worked to raise funds and awareness for support of those working to care for children affected by life-threatening illness. Don was fiercely loyal. He was a son, husband, father, grandpa, and friend to be proud of. He is also known as a bit of a “funny guy”. Always using humor to help people feel welcome and comfortable. He was part of the “mock UN group” an informal group of friends who met up each morning at Westside Cafe to solve the problems of the world. He also enjoyed steak night with friends at the local VFW. The people he was surrounded by are the very definition of good. He was blessed to have so many dear friends. Don is survived by his children: Deanna & Charles Thompson of Waynesville, Mary & Bill Gillis of Rolla, and James & Kellie Scott of Waynesville; his grandchildren: Conon William Gillis (Lacey), Dillon Richard Gillis, Zane Donald Howser, Gage Ashton Scurlock (Christina), Wade Austin Howser, Skye Alison Scott (his favorite granddaughter), Braylin Michael Scott; his great-grandchildren, Blake Austin Howser and Journee Cheyenne Howser; brothers and sisters-in-law: Patricia Scott, Donald Eugene McDaniel, Kenneth Ray McDaniel (Dalene), Mary Deloris Bates (Gary), and many friends and extended family. Don was preceded in death by his wife Glenna, his parents, Alfred and Leva, his brothers Wayne Junior Scott and James Rudolph Scott; grandson, Cameron Michael Scott, and many friends and extended family. The family invites friends of Don and the family, who wish to join to remember Don’s life at a reception in the Faith Baptist Church fellowship hall in Buckhorn, Missouri on July 7, 2024, from 3-5. Don will be laid to rest with his wife at Dunkard Cemetery in Saint Robert, Missouri at a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Dunkard Cemetery (they maintain the cemetery grounds on donations and volunteers). Contributions may be left at the memorial service.

Donald Leo Scott

December 19, 1941 - July 3, 2024