Donald “Don” Eugene Stubblefield, age 83, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away early Thursday morning November 10, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
Don was born on September 30, 1939, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the son of the late William Hugh Stubblefield, Sr., and Evelyn Jean Stubblefield (née Robertson). After graduating Fayetteville High School in 1957, he joined the United States Army and received his General Drafting degree from Army Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Following his military service he attended Arkansas Tech University, where he played football and received his Bachelor of Science. Don continued his education at East Texas University, from which he received his Master of Education. He married Judith Gail O’Kelley on December 19, 1965, in Benton, Arkansas and was married to Gail for almost fifty-seven years. Don started his teaching and football coaching career at East Newton in Granby, Missouri, and came up with the school’s team name, the Patriots. He later coached football at Parkwood High School in Joplin, Missouri, where he also taught Drivers Education. After retiring from teaching and coaching, Don started two successful radio stations in Webb City, Missouri (97.9 FM and 1100 AM, which both shared the KKLL call letters). Don was a Christian and his faith was very important to him. He was also an ardent fan of Arkansas Razorbacks football.
Don is survived by his wife, Gail Stubblefield (née O’Kelley); his daughter, Christie Graves (Richard) of Carthage, Missouri; his daughter, Cherie Thompson (Mark) of Stark City, Missouri; his son, Mark Stubblefield (Amy) of Westworth Village, Texas; his brother, David Stubblefield (Suzanne); his sister-in-law, Ky Stubblefield; 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Don was preceded in death by his brother, William Hugh Stubblefield, Jr.
Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Private funeral arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
