Donald Eugene Williams

Donald Eugene "Donnie" Williams, 52 of Grove, Oklahoma passed away Saturday September 13th, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Donnie was born in Webb City, Missouri on November 21, 1972 to the Late Lewis Williams and Betty (Feaster) Hixon. Donnie worked many years at Bob's Pit Stop and Richard's Truck Repair, also Brad Smith Power, all in Joplin, then lastly at Frankie's Marine in Grove. As one family member said, "Donnie was one hell of a mechanic, if he turned a wrench on it, it was gonna run. It didn't matter what kind of vehicle it was, car, truck, boat, semi, farm equipment or construction equipment. There wasn't much he didn't know about them and if he didn't know he wasn't afraid to reach out and learn." Another said, "Donnie was a true Jack of all trades." One of his biggest joys was fishing, camping and boating on Grand Lake and Elk River in Oklahoma. He loved doing it with family and friends and taking them on boat rides. He knew that lake and river like the back of his hand and he could navigate through it like no other. Donnie also enjoyed going to boat races and truck shows. Donnie had a couple of nicknames over the years. "Dewrag Donnie" given in his younger years for always wearing them back in the day, he still would wear them from time to time. And "Uncle Donkey", lovingly given by one of his nieces. It quickly spread throughout all sides of his family and still used to this day. There was nothing more Donnie loved than his children, grandchildren, family and friends. One of his biggest ways to show it was always lending a helping hand anyway he could, no matter how big or small the task was. Any where from giving someone a ride, to doing car repairs and home repairs and even stepping in to help out with some teenage boys without a father figure. Donnie is survived by 6 children. Beonka Williams of Grove Oklahoma; Cheyenne Branum and fiance John Zimmerman; Hayden Williams all of Joplin, Missouri; Manda Juliette and husband Michael Juliette of Stockton, Missouri; Kiesha Miller and husband Billy Miller of Stark City, Missouri and Dakota Williams of Anderson, Missouri. 6 grandchildren, Caden Branum and Carly Anderson; Jeremiah Vowell-Williams; Wesson Juliette; Abel and Wyatt Miller. One brother, Gary Hixon and girlfriend, Bobbie Embrey of Grove, Oklahoma and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many longtime friends that were like family to him. He was proceeded in death by his parents and one brother, Paul Williams. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Midland Creamation Society in Joplin, Missouri.

Donald Eugene Williams

November 21, 1972 - September 13, 2025