Donald “Donnie” Ray Fiene, 77, of Concordia, MO, died Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg after a courageous fight with cancer.
Donnie was born on August 12, 1949, in Higginsville, MO, to Helen and Vernon Fiene. He was baptized September 4, 1949, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma, MO, and confirmed on April 7, 1963, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Ernestville, MO. The family lived in the Alma and Higginsville areas and in Donnie’s younger years, they lived on the family farm southwest of Concordia until they moved to town in 1959. Growing up with three sisters, Donnie shared a close bond with them that remained throughout their lives. As the only boy, he was well loved-and his sisters made sure to keep him in line. Their closeness, good-natured teasing, and love for one another remained an important part of Donnie’s life.
He graduated from Concordia High School in 1967 before being drafted into the United States Army where he served proudly in the Vietnam War. As part of the 110th Transportation Company he supplied aircraft repair parts where needed to keep aircraft operational throughout the war. One of his favorite memories was how he “borrowed” a military truck to visit his best friend and fellow Concordian, Buddy Reinwald, at the hospital who had been injured during battle. Donnie received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. On October 2, 2017, Donnie had the honor of traveling to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans as part of an Honor Flight-a meaningful experience and treasured memory he carried with him for the rest of his life.
On April 22, 1972, Donnie married the love of his life, Rita Jane Beumer. Together they built a life centered around family, raising their two children, Kyle and Kara, and sharing countless memories through the years. In April, they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary-a testament to a lifetime of love, devotion, friendship, and commitment to one another. Of all the things Donnie treasured throughout his life, his wife, children, and the family they created together were among his greatest blessings.
After returning from the war, Donnie began his civilian career in construction and later worked as a mechanic. He spent many years in the dairy industry working for several businesses, providing service and parts to dairy farmers throughout Missouri. He also enjoyed time at St. Paul Lutheran High School, where he cared for the grounds and served as a driver’s education instructor, a role he especially treasured for the opportunity to teach and form meaningful connections with students from all over the world. Later in life, Donnie served as head of maintenance at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he continued his lifelong commitment to hard work, service, and his church community. Among his many responsibilities, he especially cherished the tradition of ringing the church bell.
One of Donnie’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play sports. You could always find him on the sidelines, cheering them on and proudly serving as their biggest fan. He rarely missed an opportunity to be at their games, and there was simply no place he would rather be than watching his grandkids do what they love. His presence was a constant reminder of just how deeply they were loved.
Donnie found joy in life’s simple pleasures-weekends spent with close friends, sharing stories, plenty of laughs, and usually a Shiner beer or two. He was rarely without a smile on his face and was always ready with a joke; family and friends often saved their best ones just to share a laugh with him. He loved hunting, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time outdoors, especially tending to his yard. More than anything, he enjoyed being surrounded by the people he loved, and his easy smile, sense of humor, and genuine enjoyment of life will be deeply missed.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Fay and Vernon Johann Melvin Fiene; brother, Robert Fiene; and two sisters, Vernona Darlene Spielbusch and Florence (Tootie) Fay Wahlers.
He is survived by his wife of the home, Rita; children, Kyle Ray Fiene (Julie) of Concordia and Kara Marie Bouillette (Philip) of Prairie Village, KS; four grandchildren: Lauren Emily and Kellen Ray Fiene, Joelle Caroline and Martin Legrand Bouillette; sister, Barbara Kay Leasure (Steve) of Independence, MO; brother-in-law, Jack Spielbusch of Overland Park, KS; uncles, Chester Tebbenkamp and Darrell “Doc” Tebbenkamp of Concordia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Concordia. Burial with military rites will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Concordia. The family suggestions memorial contributions to Saint Paul Lutheran High School, St. Paul’s Lutheran Grade School, or the Lafayette County Cancer Coalition Transportation Assistance. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
