James Donald "Don" Holst, Sr., 68, of Independence, MO, died peacefully at his home on Friday, January 15, 2010. Cremation. Memorial services will be 12:00 Saturday, January 23, at River Blvd Baptist Church, 3212 N River Blvd, Independence, MO. The family will receive friends the hour before services at the church.

Don was born May 1, 1941 in Glasgow, MO the son of Johnnie and Ruth Holst, he spent his summers with his aunt and uncle in Boonville, MO. After high school he spent a brief time in the Air Force, then married Rosemay Ritzer Holst. Don became an electrician, worked as an aviation maintaince repairman at KCI airport for several years and machine maintenance operator at International paper. He was foreman and oversaw the construction of several power plants built in KCMO.

Don was a hardworking man with integrity and high work ethics. He believed in doing the job the right way the first time. Family was very important to Don. He always made time for all of his family.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary Holst, of the home, daughters; Mary R. Holst and Donna Short, and Fred, son in law Lawren Holst, all of Independence, MO, son Jimmy Don and wife Louann, Santa Monica, CA two grandsons and four granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter, two brothers and six sisters.