Donald Lee Boone 1938 - 2009

Donald Lee Boone, 71, of Belton, Missouri, left this world at 9:45 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2009.

He was born April 16, 1938, in Independence, Missouri, to Henry Morgan Boone and Dorothy Schroeder- Boone Walls.

This lifetime Kansas City area resident and fifth great-grandson of Daniel Boone was an Army Reserve Veteran.

In addition of being a family man, Don was a local dirt track racecar legend, racing many of Missouri's early dirt tracks including Riverside, Olympic and Lakeside.

Don retired from Local 541 Heavy Construction Union with 30 years under his Teamster belt. The main years in the business he worked for Tri-City and Commanche Construction.

After retiring he devoted his time to local charities including The Salvation Army and the Juvenile Diabetes Association. He raised money through his many resources in the construction community and donating them through the CASI chili cooking organization where he traveled throughout the nation competing in chili cook-offs and meeting many great new friends.

He leaves behind his ex-wife, Patricia Boone; children, Rick (Debbie) Boone of Peculiar, Missouri, Lisa (Chris) Cable of Peculiar, Dwayne (Traci) Boone of Grandview, Missouri, and Chris (Rhonda) Boone of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Travis, Sarah, Brian, Danny, David, (preceded in death by Kevin), Christina, Leanne, Ashley, Lela and Kennedy.

"Our dad/grandpa lived for us. He took care of us more than we realized. He lived to rush in and fix anything and everything he could in our lives. These words sum it up, Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin', Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong. Daddy's hands weren't always gentle, But I've come to understand, there was always love in Daddy's hands. We love you dad, you will be in our hearts forever."

Visitation will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. Graveside services 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.

Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.