Graveside Funeral Services for Donald Wilder Freel, Age 93 of West Plains, Missouri will take place on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 in The Homeland Cemetery, West Plains, Missouri, beginning at 2:00 PM under the direction of The Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Donald lived a life marked by hard work, service, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, an experience that helped shape the man he became and provided many of the stories he would share throughout the rest of his life. Following his military service, Donald worked for Eaton Corporation, where he spent many years providing for his family. After retiring, he continued serving his community as a school bus driver and also enjoyed the life of a farmer, a role that reflected his deep appreciation for the land and the values of perseverance and dedication.
Donald was known as a master storyteller. If there was a story he wanted to tell, he would recite it word for word, exactly as he remembered it, regardless of how many times his family had heard it before. Those who knew him best wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Many of his favorite stories came from his years in the military and his time working in the factory, and he shared them with such enthusiasm, detail, and excitement that listeners could almost feel as though they had lived those moments alongside him. Through his stories, he passed down family history, life lessons, humor, and wisdom, creating memories that his loved ones will cherish forever.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maxine Freel; his parents; his uncle and aunt, Sammuel Freel and wife; his nephew, Sammy Ray Freel; his aunt, Pansy Freel Turner; and his son-in-law, Mitchell Bryan.
Donald is survived by his two daughters, Joyce Clarkson and husband Mike, and Rhonda Griffin and husband Barry, both of West Plains, Missouri.
He is also survived by his grandchildren and their families: David Clarkson and wife JoDee and their daughter, Lexi Clarkson, of West Plains; Natalie Stock and husband Bruce, along with their children, Jessie McGinley and husband Garel, their son Beckham, Jared Stock, and Jennie Stock, all of West Plains; and Jonathan Griffin and wife Nicole and their children, Jaxton and Josie Wilder Rae Griffin, his namesake.
Donald leaves behind a legacy of service, hard work, family devotion, and stories that will be repeated around family gatherings for years to come. He will be remembered for his love of family, his willingness to share the adventures and lessons of his life, and the joy he found in telling the stories that made him who he was. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he shared and the values he instilled will remain with those who loved him.
