Donald Ross Gray, age 99, a resident of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, a former resident of Breckenridge, Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Liberty Hospital, Liberty, Missouri.
Donald was born the son of Donald Weldon and Velma Waunita (Ross) Gray on February 8, 1927, in Breckenridge, Missouri. He was a 1945 graduate of Breckenridge High School. While a senior in high school, Donald enlisted into the United States Navy and served during WWII. He was trained as a Medical Corp and reached the rank of Hospital Apprentice 1st Class and was honorably discharged in July of 1946. He hitchhiked from San Diego home to Breckenridge, where he went to work at a hardware store that belonged to his Grandad Ross. On September 5, 1946, he was united in marriage to Shirley Nichols. They moved to Bogard, Missouri, where their daughter, Elaine, was born. They then moved back to Breckenridge, where their son, Jimmie, was born. He worked for Trager Construction Company for 37 years until his retirement. While working there, he and Shirley purchased a farm and made their home. After retirement, they moved back to town in Breckenridge.
Donald loved playing cards, croquet, and playing pool at the coffee shop in Breckenridge with all his friends. He cut wood for many family members and friends until he was in his late 80’s.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his daughter, Shirley Elaine Otterman and her husband, Richard, of Trimble, Missouri; his daughter-in-law, Connie Gray of Kansas City, Missouri; six grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and numerous great-great and great-great-great grandchildren. Donald is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jimmie Ross Gray; one grandson, Stephen Otterman; and sister, Della Vionne Gray.
A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with graveside services to follow immediately at Rose Hill Cemetery, Breckenridge, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Breckenridge Community Center and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
