Donald Lee Templeton, 93, passed away on Sunday, December 14 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Don was born in Carthage on February 4, 1932, and lived most of his life in Jasper County. He graduated from Sarcoxie High School, and soon after began working for various “service stations” back when Carthage was the Crossroads of America. Those were the days when service stations pumped your gas for you, checked your oil, checked the air in your tires, washed your windshield and gave you directions to help you on your journey. In 1963 he started working for Big Smith Manufacturing. He was a shipping clerk there for 33 years, until he retired in 1996.
Don married Marie Hood on June 20, 1964, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Together they had two children. Don is survived by Marie, his wife of 61 years; his daughter JoAnn Lupicki (Joe); his son Michael Templeton; grandson Joseph Lupicki; and granddaughter Jenna Lupicki. Don was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Young and his step-father James Young.
The family of Don Templeton would like to thank the caregivers of Home Instead, and the people of Good Shepherd Hospice for their care.
There will be a funeral mass for Don at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage, Missouri. Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. Burial will take place at Park Cemetery immediately following the mass.
Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Any contributions can be made to the Joplin Area Catholic Schools in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
