Donald Ray Weidner, 89, of Tina, Missouri, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026, at his home in Tina surrounded by his loving family.
Donald was born October 27, 1936, in Wheeling, Missouri, the son of Charlie Rozelleand GeanettaUniece (Sturgeon) Weidner.
Donald was a graduate of Bogard High School. His fondest memories from high school were playing on the basketball team, which won the Missouri state championshiptwice during his tenure. On November 22, 1959, he married Mary Wanda Brooke and they were later blessed with four children.Before settling down to farm, Donald and Wanda traveled extensively across the United States and southern Canada. Donaldacquired his farm outside of Tina in 1964 andspentthe rest ofhislifefarming, raisingcropsand livestock,whichover the yearsincluded sheep, hogs and cattle.Donald, along with his brother, Lloyd,alsosheared sheep for many yearscovering flocks in an area spanning from Sedalia to Hamilton.He also sheared sheep for a couple of years on sheep ranches in the Moorcroft, Wyoming area, where he recalls having sheared more than 600 lambs in one day. He started with very little and, through years of hard work, built a life for himself and his family.He spent many long days and nights on his Allis-Chalmers D17 before later switching totheJohn Deeretractors he operated for the rest of his life. He had a particular affinity forthefarmwhere he raised his family. Even near the end of his life, he could oftenbe foundon his tractororfour-wheeler checkingand feeding hiscattle. Donald also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, oftentakingthem fishing at his many farm ponds.His hobbies were centered around the farm, whether that was figuring out where to build the next pond or what bull to buy next.
In his early years, he spent time with his brother-in-law hunting ducks. He also spent many years hunting raccoonin the early winterwith his brother and children. Later in life,hehunted quail on his farm and pheasant in Iowa and South Dakota. He also served his community for many years as a member of the Tina-Avalon school board and Stokes Mound Township road board.
He is survived by his children, Daryl Weidner and wife Beth; Gerald Weidner and wife Damita, Donna Wright and husband Doug; and Linda Elsen and husband Andrew; his sister, Margaret Housworth and husband Harry (Dan); eight grandchildren, Sara Bender (Mark), Dale Weidner (Haley), Alex Weidner (Taylor), Evan Weidner, Cassandra McNear (Bradley), Michelle Knoop (Mike), Parker Elsen, and Grace Elsen; and seven great-grandchildren, Annabelle McNear, Makayla Knoop, McKenzie Knoop, Mara Knoop, Deacon Weidner, Allie Jo Weidner and Jack Bender.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Wanda; his parents Charlie and Geanetta; his granddaughter Joanne Weidner; his brother Lloyd Weidner; and his sister Juanita Cain.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Bittiker Funeral Home in Carrollton, Missouri with Pastor Martin Brooke officiating.
Burial will be in Coloma Cemetery, Coloma, Missouri.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests you considertheColoma Cemetery Association.
Contributionsmay be left at or mailed to Bittiker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 223, Carrollton, Missouri 64633.
Pallbearers will be[Dale Weidner, Mark Bender, Parker Elsen,BradleyMcNear, Alex Weidner and Evan Weidner].
Source: KMZU, The Farm
