Donald Nelson LaPanne, age 83, of Galena, KS passed peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his home.
Donald, born to the late Nelson LaPanne and Adrienne (Bishard)LaPanne Pearce on October 4, 1938 in Sanford, ME. He was raised by his mother and devoted stepfather Jay Pearce in the Webb City area. He married the love of his life, Judith Jimerson on December 22, 1962 in Galena, she survives. Donald served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He started out in the dry-cleaning business in Ft. Scott KS, then relocated to Everett WA where he was employed by Boeing. He also worked on the construction of the third powerhouse for the Grand Coulee Dam before returning to the four states area where he owned and operated J & D Construction and American Millwright.
Don was a member of the Kansas Masonic Lodge in Galena and Weir, Eastern Stars in Galena, Mirza Shrine Temple, in Pittsburg, and Scottish Rite Bodies – Valley of Ft. Scott and Valley of Joplin. He was bestowed the K.C.C.H. recognition and proudly earned his 33 degree. He was a member of the Hospital Dads and CK Clowns of the Mirza Shrine Temple. He could often be found collecting items for Shriners’ kids, driving families to Shriners Hospitals in St. Louis and Houston, and passing out candy and balloon animals to children at area parades and events.
He is survived by three daughters, Candy Mallatt and husband Brent of Fagler Beach, FL, Tammy Blaylock and husband Wayne of Seneca, MO and Ginger Sweet and husband Jeff of Carl Junction, MO; seven grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Joshua Sweet and wife Desi, Darcy Sweet and Jeremy Hofman, Madison Blaylock and Kenzo VanBaal, Olivia Blaylock, Chloe Clifton and husband Kylar, Levi Mallatt, and Amelia Mallatt; one great grandchild Rush Ryan Donald Sweet and American grandfather to several international exchange students as well as numerous extended family members.
Memorial services with Masonic Rites, Scottish Rites ritual for the Rose Croix and Military Honors will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 5:00 PM in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.