Donald Wesley Tottingham, 72, was born Dec. 17, 1946, to Frank Lesley Tottingham and Nettie Juanita (Nita) Erwin in Yakima, Wash. He passed away in Houston, Mo., on July 15, 2019.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lesley Tottingham and Nita Akeman; stepfather, Doyle Akeman; nephews, Ryan McColgin and Lucas Bay; and two infant nieces.
Don married Diana Wilson in May 1970 and gained a daughter, Lee, and a son, Jeff. They were soon joined by daughter, Amber, and son, Michael.
On June 15, 2001, Don married Ann Combs and gained two more daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.
His is survived by wife, Ann Tottingham; sisters, Bonnie (Doug) Bohon and Connie (Jerry) Bay; brother, Ron (Linda) Tottingham; children, Lee (Michael) Williams, Jeff (Paula) Reed, Amber (Rena) Tottingham, Michael (Jodie) Tottingham, Jennifer (Dustin) Smith and Jessica (Jeff) Gettys; seven grandchildren, Sarah Williams Ischer, Chelsea Reed Scantlin, Gracie Tottingham, Gage and Jude Smith, Genevieve and Joshua Gettys, one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Ischer; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Don grew up in the Solo area and attended country schools. He graduated from the Cabool High School and joined the United States Navy. Don retired from the Navy as a senior chief with 22 years of service and worked at the United States Postal Service for 26 years as a rural carrier. Before working for Texas County Technical Institute as an instructor for several years he also worked for Ozark Fire Restoration.
Don loved his community and was always willing to give his time and talents to others. He loved to run and participate in basketball, football and softball games. He was active in the Optimist Club, youth sports, Citizens for Education, Cabool Alumni association, Downtown Houston Inc., and the United Methodist Church activities. He served on the Houston Board of Education, Park and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning, and as mayor for the City of Houston. Don had a big heart and a brilliant mind, he was always looking for ways that he could improve the quality of whatever he was involved in whether it was work, church, sport, or community related. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him best.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Evans Funeral Home. Services are 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2019, at Houston United Methodist Church with Pastor Danny Delcour and Don Romines officiating. Burial will be in Ozark Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Jeremy Dillon, Tyler Romines, Dustin Kirkman, Jeff Gettys, Dustin Smith and Michael Williams.
Memorials may be made to Downtown Houston, Inc. or Bright Futures, in lieu of flowers.Â
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