November 16 1931 June 20 2020
Jack D. Rhea November 16, 1931 – June 20, 2020 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| View Guestbook Entries| Memorial Donation Jack D. Rhea, or as most knew him, Uncle Don Rhea, age 88, of Shell Knob, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Mr. Rhea, son of Roy and Mary (Figarow) Rhea, was born on November 16, 1931, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Upon graduating high school Don enrolled in college, but left to join the United States Air Force. While stationed at Lackland Air Force Base he started his radio career and became program director of the base radio station. Following his military discharge, he began a full time radio career. Don worked at various places through the years including San Antonio, Texas, Kansas City, Grand Junction, Colorado, and Alpena, Michigan, where he became a familiar voice to so many lives. In 2004, Don was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame. Don was very active in all charitable and community activities and spent over twenty-five years in scouting as a leader and commissioner, and was awarded the Silver Beaver. In 1960, he married Harriet Rosemary Riggs in Aurora; they retired to Shell Knob in 1995. Don enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, storytelling, and spending time with his family and friends; he will be missed by all. Survivors include his loving wife Harriet Rhea, of Shell Knob; five sons, Alan Rhea and Sam Rhea, both of Shell Knob, John Rhea, of Emerald Beach, and Mike Rhea and his wife Lisa, of Alpena, Michigan; and thirty-five grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by one son, Don Rhea; his daughter in-law, Betty Jo; and his granddaughter, Tonya. No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri. Print Obituary Sign Guestbook Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email: Please keep my message private Personal Message: Personal Message (required) Confirm: Submit Guestbook entry
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jack D Rhea November 16 1931 June 20 2020.
White Funeral Home and Crematory
Death notice for the town of: Sale Barn Rd, state: Missouri
Dear Harriet:
We were deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. We were a team at KCKN and I’ve always cherished the memories of those many years. He was a great broadcaster and devoted family man and an inspiration to many. I’m so thankful we were able to get both of you into the KFKF studios to do some more great radio while I was still there. It was great. He never missed a beat! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.