Donnie Kabler

Donnie Paul Kabler, 81, formerly of Nelson, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home in Boonville, Missouri, on Thursday, December 7, 2017.

A celebration of life to honor Donnie will be held on Tuesday, December 12 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Memorial Baptist Church, 13998 Highway Z, Nelson, Missouri. Burial will be held at Union Cemetery following the service with Full Military Honors.

Born in Pettis County, Missouri, on March 12, 1936, to Joseph W. and Laura E. Kabler. Donnie lived and grew up in rural Pettis County. He graduated from Hughesville High School in 1953. After graduation, Donnie served in the Army, 2nd Armored Division, 67th Tank Battalion as a medic. The armored division was originally General Patton's outfit. Donnie retained a life-long interest in reading history and watching movies about General Patton. After his military career, he became a qualified scuba diver instructor, owning his own scuba diving shop in Sedalia, and taught many people how to dive. He later worked for MoDOT and retired from there after many years.

Donnie met Eva Earney in April 2000 and they were married on April 14, 2001, at Memorial Baptist Church in Nelson, Missouri. Donnie and Eva enjoyed doing many activities together, including fishing, camping, dancing, hiking, riding bikes, and spending time with their grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing whenever he could. Donnie was a member of the Moose Lodge in Sedalia, Missouri, where Donnie and Eva spent many Saturday nights dancing and enjoying the company of their friends.

Donnie's parents and sisters Betty and Barbara Ann preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Eva of the home, his daughter, Denise (Tom) Kabler of Sedalia, Missouri, his son, Joseph (Jenny) Kabler of Peculiar, Missouri, one stepson, David (Jodie) Earney of Jefferson City, Missouri, and two stepdaughters, Theresa (Roy) Ivy of Boonville, Missouri, and Brenda (James) Grindstaff of Milford, Kansas. He is also survived by eight grandchildren Alex Kabler, Michael Kabler, Matthew (Casey) Ivy, Kelsey Grindstaff, Zachary Grindstaff, Kayla (Shane) Twenter, and Christopher and Dawson Earney, and three great grandchildren, Alivia and Colter Ivy and Ada Twenter. Also, niece Paula Ghanami and many close friends he considered brothers.

Memorials are suggested to Memorial Baptist Church or Union Cemetery, c/o Rea Funeral Chapel, 1001 S Limit Ave, Sedalia, MO 65301.