Donald "Pete" Halbrook

Donald Wayne (Pete) Halbrook was born on June 24, 1926, in Salem, Missouri to Christopher Columbus and Rose Nell (Coulter) Halbrook. Pete was one of seven children and was raised on the family farm south of Salem. Pete graduated from Salem High School in 1945. At the time, World War II was in progress, so Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army even though he qualified for an exemption because all his brothers were already serving overseas. After the war ended and Pete was Honorably Discharged, he furthered his education and became a TV Technician. He began employment at Sears & Roebuck's in Kansas City, Missouri. Pete was united in marriage to Marguerite (Lair) Hensley in 1955 and together shared sixty years of memories. Pete and Marguerite shared four children: Harold, Karon, Dana and Donnie. In 1967 Pete and Marguerite left Kansas City and moved back to the farm where Pete was born and raised. For the next forty years they enjoyed wonderful lives raising cattle, farming and gardening. In 2007 they retired from farming and moved to Branson, Missouri to be near their children and grandchildren. Pete was a kindhearted and caring man. He always looked at the good in others and was eager to help those in need. Pete was a devout Christian and served as a Deacon at Salem Church of Christ. He was actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Education at Oakhill R-1 School, a Trustee for Miner Cemetery, helping at Livestock Auctions and working at the voting polls during elections. Pete was an avid sports fan. He coached Youth Baseball, was a dedicated spectator at his grandchildren's games and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Pete enjoyed quality time with his grandchildren, teaching them how to drive in the old pick-up truck, helping them pick and sell blackberries to make some spending money and telling them stories about his life experiences. In his latter years, Pete enjoyed playing the harmonica and spending lunchtime eating and socializing at the Senior Center in Branson. Pete passed away on September 1, 2024, at the age of ninety-eight years. He leaves behind to cherish his memories; Children: Karon Matlock and husband Jim of Reeds Spring, MO and Donnie Halbrook and wife Priscilla of Branson, MO, twelve Grandchildren and a multitude of Great & Great-Great Grandchildren. Preceding him in death, his wife: Marguerite Halbrook, son: Harold Hensley, daughter: Dana Clapper, parents: Christopher and Rose Halbrook, siblings: Ralph Halbrook, Bernice Duckworth and husband Clark, Gladys Murphy and husband John, Alfred Halbrook and wife Martha, Wilbur Halbrook and Pauline Eswein and husband Bob. Pete will be remembered as a devoted husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather and a special human being. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for Donald “Pete” Wayne Halbrook were held Thursday, September 6, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Kevin Prugh officiating. Congregational Hymns “Amazing Grace”, “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder”, and “I’ll Fly Away” were led by Donald Norris. Serving as Pallbearers were Shaun Halbrook, Christopher Halbrook, Tommy Hensley, Rod Hensley, Jon Matlock, and Brad Land. Honorary Pallbearers were Brenden Halbrook and Cameron Hirahara. Military Honors was provided by the United States Army and American Legion Post 99. Burial was in the Miner Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Donald "Pete" Halbrook

June 24, 1926 - September 1, 2024