Donald Wayne Lusby

Donald Wayne “Don” Lusby age 70 of Franklin, MO passed away on February 24, 2025 at University of Missouri Hospital. He was born on November 24, 1954 in Boonville, MO, the 4th son of Henry & Betty (Wright) Lusby.

Don attended Fayette Public Schools; following high school, he was employed for several years as an equipment operator for the City of Fayette, MO. After moving to Franklin, MO, he was employed by Hall & Riley Quarries (now Boone Quarries) as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 2014 due to health issues.

Don was a simple man, a family man; he was happy spending time outdoors, enjoying the warm sunshine, mowing the grass on his John Deere tractor, and most of all, spending time with his son Donnie, Jr. fishing. He was looking forward to taking the boat out on the water this spring. He was so proud of his grandson, Zayden and enjoyed time spent with him, as well as Zayden’s big brother, Kolt Smith. Don also thought the world of his mother, Betty; he visited her every weekend until his health started to decline, then they spoke on the phone every day, sometimes multiple times a day. Don was a great dad, grandfather, son, brother and just an all-around good guy; he was loved and will be missed.

Don is survived by his son Donnie, Jr. (Peggy), his mother, Betty Lusby-Frakes, his grandsons, Zayden Lusby & Kolt Smith; his brothers, Dave Lusby (Joy), Bill Lusby; his sister, Mindy Barnes (Eric); nieces, Natalie Wayne (Tony), Amber Taylor (MItchell), Kendra Bonge (Bill); nephews, Cody Lusby and Colin Barnes and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Lusby, brother, Bobby Lusby, sister in-law, Marilyn Lusby and his paternal & maternal grandparents.

Per Don’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no public memorial services. Family & close friends will gather to celebrate Don’s life this spring when the weather is warm and the sun is shining bright.