Donald Lee Hemen Sr., 68, of Carthage, Mo., passed away Monday Aug., 18, 2008, after a long illness.

He was born on Dec. 7, 1939, in Sarcoxie, Mo.,and was the son of Paul and Selma “Frickenschmidt” Heman.

Donald was a retired truck driver for Conagra/Butterball after 20 years of accident free.  He enjoyed fishing at Grand Lake and hunting deer and quail and most of all he enjoy spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Donald loved his Lord and was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Carthage.  He was active with the Shepherds own Men’s Ensemble.

Donald married Ruth A. Watson on June 3, 1971 in Sarcoxie, Mo.  She survives.  He is also survived by four sons: Mark Hemen and wife Tammie, John Browder and wife Pam, Tim Browder all of Carthage, Mo,, and Donald Lee Heman Jr. and wife Kristina of Webb City, Mo,; six daughters: Nancy McCloud and husband Darrel, Ronda Stapleton and husband Jim, Marsha Browder all of Webb City, Mo., Kathy Swindle and husband Kevin of Republic, Mo., Tamma Minks and husband Clyde of Carterville, Mo., and Paula Baker and husband Bruce of Diamond, Mo.; two sisters; Dorothy Patton and Barbara Chandler; 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with two on the way.

He was preceded in death by one son: Ronald Browder; one daughter;:Rebecca Larimore; one granddaughter: Heather Browder; and one grandson: Christopher Lee Browder.  Donald will be greatly missed by all who knew him but are assured he is resting in the arms of our heavenly Father.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Carthage.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at Ulmer Funeral Home.  

Contributions may be given to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage.