Donald Howard “Don” Zehnder, age 97 of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at his home.
Don Zehnder was born on December 16, 1928, in Clinton, Missouri, to Lawrence Filmore and Veta Allen (Silver) Zehnder. A proud graduate of Clinton High School’s Class of 1947, Don went on to serve his country through the Missouri Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On June 2, 1950, Don married Lillian Mae Orr in Clinton. Together they shared many meaningful years before her passing in 1979. He later found love again and married Edna Hensley on March 27, 1980, in Jefferson City. Edna preceded him in death in 2020, and their life together was marked by companionship, joy, and shared adventures.
Don built a respected professional career rooted in leadership and dedication. He worked early on with Kraft as part of its management team, and from 1949 to 1983 devoted himself to United Telephone System, retiring as Vice President and General Manager. A lifelong learner, Don continually sought knowledge by attending courses at Rockhurst and the University of Kansas in administration and regulatory studies throughout his career.
Committed to service beyond his profession, Don volunteered at the Capital Region Hospital coffee shop and was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers Association, past president of the Missouri Telephone Association, the Shriners Club, and Wesley United Methodist Church.
Retirement allowed Don to fully embrace his many passions. He loved fishing, hunting, golf, boating, and cheering on his favorite teams—the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, MU Tigers, and LU Tigers. An avid aviator, he earned his pilot’s license in 1967 and shared his love of flying with his son, who later became a pilot as well. Don also enjoyed flying remote-controlled airplanes, playing the guitar and banjo, square dancing with Edna, and embracing adventure—including parasailing. Known for his love of storytelling, Don delighted family and friends with tales so vivid that even at 97, the details never wavered. He also cherished daily coffee and breakfast traditions with friends at local favorites such as Dudley’s, Mel’s, and Hy-Vee.
Above all, Don deeply loved his family. Fair, kind, and dependable, he lived with quiet strength and integrity. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a selfless man whose strong character and generous heart left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Survivors include his loving children, Pamela Johnson (Rick) of Springfield, Mo., Randall Zehnder (Donna) of St. Charles, Mo., Kenna Brester of Jefferson City, Mo.; two stepdaughters, Diana Trigg of Jefferson City, Mo., Linda Lock (David) of Melbourne, Fl.; six grandchildren, Justin Hall (Julie), Bryan Zehnder, Miranda Patel (Mohit), Amber Mantle (Kris), Derek Brester (Cassy), Cara Wulff (Corey); four step grandchildren, Jeff Trigg (Kelly), Holly Linhardt (Jonathan), Joseph Lock (Sarah), Eric Lock (Nadia);15 great grandchildren; 4 step greatgrandchildren; and one step great-great grandchild.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, only brother Frederick Zehnder, his wives, Lillian and Edna; and son-in-law, Brad Brester.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.
A celebration of life service will begin at 12:00 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend John Kerr officiating. Graveside services and inurnment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, noon, for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Shriners Children’s Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children's, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Wesley United Methodist Church, 2727 Wesley St., Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
