Donald Wayne Massey

Donald Wayne Massey, 85, of Independence, MO passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015. A visitation will be held from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 2nd at Carson Speaks Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the chapel.
Donald was born January 21, 1930 in Falcon, MO as the fifth of six children to Washington Van-Buren and Eliza Cordelia (Peterson) Massey. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. Donald was honorably discharged, having earned the Korean Service Medal with one star and the United Nations Service Medal, and returned to the States. He worked in Lebanon, and later in Kansas City for Ford Motor Company and the railroad. He married his beloved Avis Carolyn (Clyde) on June 25, 1954. They relocated to Kansas City, and raised two children in Independence. Carolyn strongly encouraged his education and he attended Kansas City Junior College, eventually receiving his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University. He worked for over thirty years, in numerous positions, for Lucent Technologies (formerly Western Electric/ AT&T) before his retirement in December of 1989. He taught in the Metropolitan Community College System, Evening Division, for nineteen years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Shrine. He enjoyed all music genres and played banjo for numerous Shrine events, and parades. After retirement, he volunteered to drive children to the Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis. His family remembers him as loving, witty, and a good provider. Donald is loved and will be missed. Survivors include wife of 60 years, Carolyn of the home; daughter, Wynetta P. Massey of Colorado Springs, CO; son, Gregory W. Massey and wife Allyson of Blue Springs, MO; grandchildren, Alena Marresse, Ryland, Baylor, Brantley, and Myer Massey; sisters, Cleo Candler of Lebanon, MO; and Neva Myers of Lebanon, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Berniece Heafley; and brothers, Sherman and George Massey. The family encourages contributions to the Shriners Hospital for Children in his memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)