Jimmie Don “Donnie” Calhoun
Jimmie Don “Donnie” Calhoun, 70, of Holden, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after courageously battling leukemia for the past five years. Through every challenge, Donnie remained the same strong, stubborn, and loving man his family and friends knew so well.
Donnie was born on September 26, 1955, in Kirksville, Missouri. In 1960, his family moved to Holden, where he grew up and graduated from Holden High School with the Class of 1973. On February 17, 1996, he married the love of his life, Patsy Gayle “Pat” Hancock, beginning a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.
After dedicating 44 years of hard work to Stahl’s, Donnie retired but never truly slowed down. He was a man who believed in hard work and helping others, owning and operating his own lawn service and always finding another project to tackle. If someone needed a hand building something, fixing something, or simply figuring it out, Donnie was there. He never hesitated to lend his time, his knowledge, or his strength to anyone who needed it.
In 1990, Donnie proudly built the A-frame home where he created a lifetime of memories with his family. He cut his own firewood to keep the house warm, took great pride in caring for his property, and found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful.
Donnie loved spending time outdoors. Whether he was riding horses, heading out for a buggy ride, hunting deer with his crossbow or rifle, casting a line while fishing, or checking his trail cameras to see what wildlife had wandered by, he was happiest surrounded by nature and loved ones.
He cherished afternoons sharing a cold drink with family and friends, swapping stories, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Known for his playful spirit and ornery sense of humor, Donnie loved teasing those he cared about most, always with a grin that let everyone know it came from a place of love.
Above all else, Donnie’s greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father to his daughters, Jennifer Cowick (Phil) of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Julie Gouvia (Matt) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, a caring stepfather to Daniel Meads (Ginger) of Holden, Missouri, and he lovingly remembered his stepdaughter, Brandi Williams, who preceded him in death. He was the kind of grandpa every child dreams of—always ready with a smile, a story, a joke, or an adventure. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and the love he had for each of them was immeasurable.
Donnie is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; daughters Jennifer Cowick (Phil) and Julie Gouvia (Matt); stepson Daniel Meads (Ginger); sister Karen Ann Kluz (Chip) of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; brother Charles “Alan” Calhoun of Holden, Missouri; grandchildren Kody Williams (Cassie) of Knob Noster, Missouri; Miranda Harrington (Aaron) of Oak Grove, Missouri; Austin Meads (Stephanie) of Lake Lotawana, Missouri; Karissa Meads of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Sommer Gouvia of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Graysen Cowick of Lincoln, Nebraska; Dwight Meads of Holden, Missouri; and Adam Hatfield of Raytown, Missouri, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made better because they knew him.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Martha (Coleen) Huggins and James Huggins, and his beloved stepdaughter, Brandi Williams.
Donnie will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, generous heart, quiet strength, and his willingness to help anyone without expecting anything in return. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, laughter, and selflessness that will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed every day, his family finds comfort knowing he is now free from pain and at peace.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 27, at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, with Pastor Mike Wakeman officiating.
Interment will follow at Blackwater Cemetery, east of Pittsville. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Williams Funeral Chapel.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to Johnson County Cancer Foundation.
