Donald Ghrist

Donald Ghrist was born April 12, 1929 in Cureall, MO, son of John S. Ghrist and Elsie Bennet. He married Opal M. Harris Ghrist on November 19, 1949 at Gainsville, MO. Donald lived in Mountain Home since 1995 moving from Palatine, IL. He graduated from Bakersfield High School, recieved his Bachelor of Science at Arkansas State University and his Masters at Northern Illinois University. For 43 years, he was teacher and Principal in Howell County, MO for many years moving to Palatine, IL and continued as Principal. After retirement, he worked as a store manager for True Value Hardware for 3 years. He loved basketball, fishing, golf and loved to sing. He died Friday, February 20, 2009 in Mountain Home at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 8 days. Survivors: He is survived by his wife, Opal, 1 Daughter, Donna (Gary) Marie Ghrist Sanders of Nixa, MO, 1 Son, Mitchel Allan Ghrist of Little Rock, AR, 1 Sister, Aileen Elizabeth Ghrist Arnett of West Plains, MO, 2 Grandchilden, Christopher Lee Sanders, and Aaron Michael (Brittany Thompson) Sanders, and 1 Great-Grandchild, Shaun Michael Sanders. Preceded in Death by: His parents, John S. Ghrist and Elsie Bennet Ghrist. Visitation: From 5-7 P.M., Tuesday, February 24 at Kirby Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral: Services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Kirby Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother William Tunstall officiating. Burial: Mackey Cemetery at Pomona, MO. at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Active Bearers: Joe Bill Arnett, Nathan Arnett, Christopher Sanders, Aaron Sanders, Gary Sanders, and Ronald Newton