Donald L Pyatt

Donald Leo Pyatt, (formerly of Fredericktown, Missouri), son of Lloyd and Mary (Lucas) Pyatt, was born March 23rd, 1939, in Goodwater, Missouri and passed peacefully on May 22, 2025, at Bethesda Southgate Nursing Home is St. Louis, Missouri. Don was 86 years old at the time of his passing.

He was a devoted husband to Janet (Leslie) Pyatt for 32 years who survives him in Arnold, Missouri. He is also survived by his two sons; Steven Wayne Pyatt (Allison) of St. Louis, Missouri and James Lloyd Pyatt (Lori) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his brother Harold Pyatt (Mona) of Florissant, MO and sister Wilma Dorsey (Gerry) of Florida. Also two step daughters: Laura Messing (Dean) of Boston, Massachusetts and Kriste Stull of Los Angeles, California, three nephews and a niece. He is also survived in death by his first wife, Sheila Wulfert (married in September 9, 1961).

After serving two years in the United States Army, and two years in the Army Reserve, Donald joined the Missouri Army National Guard where he served for twenty years. He then served again in the Army Reserves retiring in 1999 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Don obtained his degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri, Columbia and worked as an accountant for various companies before going into business for himself.

But Don was not all business and service: he loved bass fishing and competed in many tournaments with his brother, Harold. Don was a natural storyteller and recounted many of the unusual experiences he had throughout his life. We loved that. He also enjoyed Native American history (the Sioux tribe, in particular) and had an extensive arrowhead collection. In 2000 he coordinated a cross-country trip for his family (complete with a binder itinerary) entitled "Crazy Horse, The Trip." It was a two-week oddessy filled with stories and multiple stops including the Black Hills, The Little Big Horn Battlefield, Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument just to name a few. It was a real tribute to his love of Native American history. Don was also an avid coin collector, history buff, and loved archaeology. He was a tremendous St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan and Mizzou football fan. He. enjoyed watching games in person and on TV.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Wilson Funeral Home in Fredericktown.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., also on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Spicer officiating.

Interment will follow at the Christian Cemetery in Fredericktown.