Donald Lee Sayre

Donald Lee Sayre was the youngest of three boys born to John Ray and Evelyn Sayre in St. Augustine, Florida, on December 25, 1946. After graduating from high school in Stockton, Missouri, Donald served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He later continued his military service in the Navy Reserves, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard.

In his early 20s, Donald met and pursued a young Nancy Loveland of Fordland, Missouri. It took some work, but he finally convinced this sweet young farm girl to go out with him. She did, and on March 14, 1970, wedding bells rang. They loved each other for 56 beautiful years and together raised two wonderful boys. They also had the joy of watching those boys grow up and raise families of their own.

Don was known for being stubborn and a whole lot ornery—oh, the stories that have already been told! But more than that, Don was a devoted husband and father, a loving Papa, and a dear friend to many. In fact, Don never knew a stranger. Everything he did seemed to take twice as long because new friends were being made, and good conversations took time.

Don worked most of his adult life for the Frisco Railroad and later worked for, and retired from, the City of Springfield. During retirement, he loved to hunt and fish. Don and Nancy also loved spending their weekends at auctions, always looking for the next thing to collect.

Together, they enjoyed camping and traveling. Their adventures took them to Ireland and to 46 of the 50 great states of America, including their most recent adventure, an Alaskan cruise. They also loved taking beautiful rides together on their motorcycle.

And even though he was diabetic, one of Don’s very favorite pastimes was enjoying a good bowl —or maybe two—of ice cream.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Sayre; son John Ross Sayre and wife Tracy; son Bryan Sayre and wife Lesley; six grandchildren, John Ryan Sayre, Hannah Picard and husband Joe, Elizabeth Sayre, Samuel Sayre, Jacob Sayre, and Rachel Sayre; and three great grandchildren, Natalie, Marshall, and Diego.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John Ray and Evelyn Sayre, and his two brothers, John Robert Sayre and Dave Sayre.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home in Donalds memory. https://www.fairhavenchildrenshome.com/donate/

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Southside Church of Christ, Ozark, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Brad Fox officiating.  Burial will follow at Fordland Cemetery, Fordland, Missouri.

Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.