Former Fayette resident Don Espenschied, age 88, passed away on October 16, 2022, at Glasgow Gardens. 

Donald Leo Espenschied was born February 18, 1934, in Highland, Illinois, a son to the late Leo Henry and Bessie Gladys (Sherfy) Espenschied.  Don married Barbara Dodson, and they later divorced. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 and was honorably discharged in 1958. Following his time in the service, Don worked at Donnelly Motors in Fayette until 1967. From 1967-1980, Don worked as a mechanic for the United Parcels Service (UPS) in Columbia, Missouri. 

On August 3, 1968, Don married Eva L. (Wiemholt) Estes at the Armstrong Baptist Church in Armstrong, Missouri. Together they enjoyed over 52 years of marriage until Eva’s passing last year on March 8, 2021. Don and Eva became antique dealers in 1969 as a hobby but became full-time dealers in 1980 and owned “Back Porch Antiques” in Fayette. Don loved restoring, building, and re-selling furniture.

Survivors include three children, Rick (Ruthie) Espenschied of Fayette, Garry (Julia) Espenschied of Fayette, and Tracy Shields of Glasgow; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Gene (Marilyn) Espenschied of Slater; and sister, Gladys (Bob) Smith of Raytown.  

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Lusby, and brother, Roger Espenschied. 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, with Bart Ballew officiating. A visitation will be held an hour before the service starting at noon at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette.

Memorial contributions are suggested to P.A.W.S., in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.