On March 3, 1942, at 1:05 AM war time Donald Dale Wollard weighing 12 pounds was born at home to Leland Rechow and Jewell Stewart Wollard. Don went home to be with his Lord at 6:50 AM June 18, 2012 at the age of 70. What a lot of living Don packed into those 70 years.
Saved March 6, 1952 and baptized in the river in 1953, Don was an active member of Bolivar First Assembly of God. For the last 23 years he worked in SS and was in charge of the monthly mission meals.
Raised on the family farm he was taught how to work and found he actually liked it, whether it be milking cows, helping Mom in the garden or working with Dad in the fields.
Even as a youngster he was into service organizations- 4H, church youth group, FFA and B Club.
In 1960 after graduating high school he joined the Army Reserves. Upon completing active duty in 1961 he went to barber school and except for three years in the 1970's when he owned and operated a truck stop in Dallas County, worked as a barber until June 1, 2012.
A life long sports enthusiast, Dodgers and Celtics were his teams. He was active in summer sports in the 60's and 70's when he enjoyed playing slow pitch and later watching his children play Little League. In 1969 he helped organize the Southwest Baptist College basketball booster club.
A long time Brahman cattle breeder he had been a member of several cattle organizations. In addition to sales in Missouri and other states he had shipped cattle to Canada and Japan.
Don had been an active member of the Optimist Club since the early 60's serving as president in 1972 and was Optimist of the year in 2000.
In 1997, Don, with the help of Polk County churches, businesses, volunteers and Intervention Ministries began a Thanksgiving "Share Your Turkey" project that is still active today.
In 2002, Don was inducted into the Bolivar High School Hall of Fame.
In 2003, with the help of many, he was instrumental in organizing the Bolivar Area Community Foundation.
In 2007 he birthed Abundance Ministries. It soon became evident he could not do this ministry and keep the cattle. Much to the surprise of many, he chose the ministry and set about selling the Brahman cattle he had so enjoyed. He chose wisely as the Lord has blessed this humanitarian ministry. Forty foot containers have been shipped state side, to Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras. Many smaller donations of goods and funds have been made locally.
In 2009 he received the Bolivar Rotary Civic Service Award.
Just two months ago Don, Linda, Amy and Jared were on a mission trip to El Salvador. Though the trip was shortened due to Don's declining health they visited villages and individuals distributing beans, rice, and hygiene shipped by Abundance Ministries. He was so happy to have made the trip as a family.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Leland, his sister, Lela, and brother Deryal.
He is survived by his mother, Jewell Wollard, Linda, his wife of 45 years, daughter, Amy and husband, Mike, son, Jared, sister, Judy Johnson and husband, Norman, step-granddaughter, Kristen Marshall and husband, Tyler, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We miss you, Don.
Funeral services will be held 10 AM Thursday, June 21st at Bolivar 1st Assembly of God. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Wednesday, June 20th at Murray Funeral Home in Bolivar.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Abundance Ministries, which is 501C-3 tax deductible, in care of Murray Funeral Home, 911 W Broadway, Bolivar, MO 65613.
On line condolences may be sent to www.murrayfuneralhomes.com.
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