Carney, Donald Lloyd August 18, 1935 - February 25, 2024

“Even if He slays me, I will wait for Him; I will surely defend my ways before Him.” Job 13:15

Donald Lloyd Carney was born August 18, 1935, to Lloyd and Juanita Carney in Exeter, Missouri. His family eventually moved to Kansas City, where the foundations of Don’s personal, professional, and athletic career began to shape.

While attending Southeast High School, Don Carney’s athletic career prospered. He mastered the wingback position – inheriting the nickname “galloping ghost.” His versatile moves attracted many eyes – but one stood out – His future wife Phyllis.

The two graduated in May of 1955, and one month later, they said I do. Don and Phyllis moved to Shawnee, OK, so he could attend Oklahoma Baptist University. Don eventually became an ordained minister and felt the Lord calling him to use his ministry in a very special way.

In 1958, Don and Phyllis packed up their family to become caretakers for the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch just north of Springfield, MO. Don and Phyllis wanted to bless boys who needed a loving family. While the family’s time at the ranch was short-lived, only God knows the lasting impact Don and Phyllis had on the boys they were able to serve.

Lloyd called on his son’s help to run a grocery store in Miller, MO. This was Don’s first taste of what it took to run a successful grocery business. He spent a few months cutting his teeth on grocery management before moving back to Kansas City to help manage another grocery business. That was a short-lived journey as the Lord had one final move for the growing family. In 1965, Don moved his family to Osceola, MO, to run Carney’s Supermarket.

Don and Lloyd ran the store together, but Don wanted a store all his own. In 1979, he purchased a grocery store in Hermitage. No job was too big or too small. Don enjoyed taking groceries to customers’ vehicles. He strived for exemplary customer service – even in his final days. In 1995, Don realized this community needed one more thing – a hardware store –adding Do It Best to his business portfolio.

Don’s athletic career will have a lasting impact on the town of Osceola. As an avid football fan, Don was surprised when the Osceola Indians didn’t have a football team. So, in 1972, he and others in the community collaborated to start a football program. A few years later, he and others helped start the track program, stating, “You can’t have a good football program if you don’t have a good track program. You need fast football players.”

Most of us will never forget seeing Don’s truck up at the field early Friday morning to nab the optimal spot to watch games. Rain or shine, hot or cold, he would stand there with his fedora on and a pipe in his mouth – watching and supporting those young players.

Don had a commanding presence. He knew what needed to be done, and he did it. When the church needed deacons, he stepped in – when they needed a Sunday school leader – he was quick to volunteer. He and Phyllis served God in every way they could – inside the church doors and out in everyday life – leaving a significant impact on anyone they met.

Don Carney was called home to be with the Lord on February 25, 2024. He is now reunited with his mother, Juanita, his father, Lloyd, and his beloved wife, Phyllis. His family of five boys, daughters-in-law, countless grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will miss him dearly. Still, we know that because Don chose to follow Christ as a young child, he is now standing with the Lord, and that is the most important choice any of us can ever make.