Donald W. Stout

Mr. Stout passed away December 17, 2012 at Genesys Hospice Care Center. Age 79 years. He was born December 29, 1932 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Donald was a graduate of Central High School and South East Missouri University, both of Cape Girardeau, and Missouri University-Columbia. Donald served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, aboard the USS Hyades. He was employed by the state of Michigan, Department of Agriculture, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management for 32 years and retired in 1997. Donald was known by many as "Mr. Department of Agriculture" He was lead inspector for 16 counties, assistant supervisor for Region IV and an entomologist. Growing up in Missouri, Donald and his twin brother, Daniel, explored woods and the banks of the Mississippi River and the Ozarks, where they identified birds and collected insects. Donald could identify all trees, whether in foliage or in silhouette. Donald was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he held various positions over the past 40 years. Donald loved the Lord and loved singing with the mixed choir and men's chorus. He was an active member of Coping with Cancer Support Group. He met Joan Olson, the love of his life, in May 1954 and they married August 18, 1957. She survives him. He is also survived by 2 sons and their spouses; Douglas W. and Cathy Stout of Milton, VT., and Darren L. and Tammy Stout, of Moore, OK; four grandchildren: Nicholas D. (Nadine) Stout of Marion, IA, Virginia Stout of San Francisco, CA., Joshua Stout and Jared Stout , of Moore, OK; one sister, Elizabeth Pope of Avondale, AZ; one brother-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law ;Lee and Mary Olson, MO, Rebecca Olson, OKC, Marjorie Stout, MO. Also many nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Roark Stout, 1969; his father, Willard Marvin Stout, 1984, brother; Daniel M. Stout in 2001, and brother-in-law; Gene Olson in 2005. Donald loved his family and friends, enjoyed talking with people, garage sales, being outdoors, fishing, deer hunting, bird watching and gardening. A Memorial Service will take place Friday, January 18, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Rev. John W. Wernecke. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Thursday, January 17, 2013 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 12:30 and until the time of the service. Memorial Contributions for Zion Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association will be available at the funeral home.