Donald Daniel Killion, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, in Houston.
He was born Sept. 21, 1931, in Texas County, son of Thomas Daniel and Viona Elliott Killion.
After graduating in 1949 from Houston High School, he continued his education at the University of Missouri. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MU and later a PhD in plant physiology at the University of Arkansas. He taught high school in Waynesville and Savannah before his career took him into research at Oak Ridge, Tenn., and a position as an instructor at the University of Tennessee. He traveled to South America, Costa Rico and Brazil for seminars.
He returned to Texas County upon his retirement and lived on the Killion family farm on Hog Creek south of Houston. He was the fourth generation Killion to live on the “Missouri Century Farm” first homesteaded by Daniel Killion, his great-grandfather, in 1840. He remained on the farm until his failing health lead him to move to Houston House.
He enjoyed discussing science, politics and religion with friends at Forbes’ Pharmacy and the Eagles Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Hazel Marie Bardwell.
Survivors include a sister, June Fangmann of St. Louis and numerous relatives and friends.
No services are planned. Cremation was under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
