It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) William Cartee of Auxvasse, Missouri. Don was called home by his Heavenly Father on April 28, 2026. Over 89 years, Don lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, service to God and his country, and a long-standing career.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Cartee; his daughter, Deanne (Jim) Talbert; his son, Darrell Cartee; his grandchildren, Adrianne Talbert, Dominique, Matthew, and Jacob (Briley) Cartee; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betsy and Ralph Cartee; his brothers, Jim and Larry Cartee; his brother-in-law, Phillip Jett, and his sisters-in-law, Wanda and Sandy Cartee, and Betty Adrian.
Born August 29, 1936, in Alton, Missouri, to the late Betsy (Morrison) and Ralph Cartee, Don was one of three brothers. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade and graduated from Alton High School in 1954. One year later, he married his wife, Martha, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and loyalty. Don was a hardworking, humble man who built a life for himself through commitment and determination.
He worked in Washington, D.C., in fingerprint identification for the FBI before serving two years in the U.S. Army (1959–1961) as a teletype operator in Minden, Louisiana. Martha and Don shared two children— daughter, Deanne (born in 1960), and son, Darrell (born in 1962). After returning to Missouri, he worked for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and later spent over 20 years as store manager for Norman Auto Supply in Jefferson City and Mexico. In retirement, he continued his work ethic by conducting farming surveys for the Missouri State Agricultural Association for 12 years.
Above all, Don was a man of God who was devoted to his family and friends. He was a loyal husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Don found great joy in the outdoors— fishing, floating, hunting, and camping, as well as the simple routines of life, like weekly trips to the library and tending his flowerbeds, garden, and orchard. He and Martha shared a love of travel, together visiting 37 states. They enjoyed Southern gospel music and were active members of their church and community.
Don was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all. His family finds comfort in knowing he is now at peace in heaven. Don’s life was a testament to the faithful service of God, deep love for one’s family, and the quiet strength of a good man.
A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, at Southside Baptist Church in Fulton, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Callaway Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Don’s church home, Southside Baptist Church (sbcfulton.com) in Fulton, MO.
Officiating will be Pastor Tyler Murphy.
Pallbearers will be Adrianne Talbert, Dominique Cartee, Matthew Cartee, Jacob Cartee, Glen Andrews, and Jim Talbert, with honorary pallbearers Larry & Alma Swon, Howard & Carol Craig, Frank & Pam (dec) Trask, Mike & Kathy Yount, Everette & Kay Lamers, David & Donna Bonvillian, Ron Case, and Bruce Reagan.
