Donald Wayne Van Buren

Donald Wayne Van Buren, 77, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO. He was born on January 23, 1948, in Slater, MO, the son of Emma (Van Buren) Brame, who preceded him in death.

On March 30, 1996, Don entered into a union with Nancy Sims. And on September 8, 2007, in Sedalia, MO, they were united in marriage.

Don was a proud 1965 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. He attended Burns Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, Sedalia. Don worked for Rival Manufacturing for thirty years, from 1971 until 2001. After his career at Rival, he began working at Wal-Mart until his retirement in 2015. Don was active in the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Service Award for Assistant Scout Master of Troop 222 and Years of Service Award from Rival Manufacturing. Don's greatest award was the World's Best Grandpa. Don enjoyed watching game shows, especially Jeopardy and Court TV. He also enjoyed his soap operas, The Young and The Restless, The Bold and The Beautiful. Don was an avid music lover and could name that tune from any Genre and any decade. He knew and enjoyed all the new modern-day music that came out. Don was an avid Colts, Lakers, and Braves fan. Don loved his participation in tennis matches and won several trophies. Don was known for his social abilities and had never met a person with whom he couldn't have a conversation.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by three children, Dilana Franklin (James) of Sedalia, MO, Ronald Van Buren (Alexis) of Bellwood, PA, Tynessa Van Buren of Lee's Summit, MO; five step-children, Carolyn Renee Franklin (Tony) of Sedalia, MO, Adrian Young (Melanie) of Wellington, KS, Veronica Sims of Sedalia, MO, Kardell Sims (Danika) of St. Joseph, MO, and Marshall Sims (Kami) of Sedalia, MO; thirty-five grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; an aunt, Betty Van Buren; two uncles, William Van Buren (Dagnar), and Elmer Van Buren (Katherine); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his good buddy, Chris Staten.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Bishop Paul Jones officiating.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the chapel.

Honorary bearers will be Matt Sims, James Simms, Larry Clark, Kevin Arthorlee, Gary Jackson, Chris Staten, Albert Emerson, and Richard Stewart.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sedalia Dialysis Clinic in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

There will be a repass for family and friends at 4:00 p.m. following the funeral service at Burns Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 207 E. Pettis, Sedalia, MO.