Donald Edward McBride

Donald Edward McBride, age 90, son of the late Charles Edward McBride and Mabel E. Black McBride Sanders, passed away peacefully on Aug 6, 2025 at the home he shared with his beloved partner of 28 years, Darla Jean Johnson.

Preceded in death by his brothers Andrew, Ray and David, Don is survived by his partner Jean Johnson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, his daughter Lynn Thompson, of Mexico, Missouri, son Brandon McBride of Madison, Wisconsin and daughter Katherine McBride, of Columbia, Missouri. He is also survived by his siblings Roy McBride of Shawnee, Kansas, Linda McBride of Columbia, Missouri, and Mary Nowlin, of Molino, Florida.

Don was born the fourth son to his parents in Millersburg, Missouri. They subsequently moved to Mexico, Missouri where he attended grade school with his brothers, and where his sister Mary was born. Don and his family later moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1945 where his brother David and sister Linda were born.

As a boy, Don worked delivering newspapers on his bicycle, and at 13, won a new bicycle from the newspaper he delivered for. As a young man, Don helped his father who was an auto mechanic at Vandiver Studebaker in Columbia. He also worked on and off at Phillippes body shop in Columbia, from his teen years up until his late 80s. Don worked various jobs throughout his life, at one point working for a telephone company, where he was sent to various locations from Mobile, AL, to New Orleans, Louisiana and Pennsylvania.

Don loved to drive around in his vintage 1950’s Studebakers, (owning a Golden Hawk and a President). Everyone knew him as Donnie McBride or ‘Shadetree’ – a nickname from his teen years. He was a talented painter, and worked freelance painting everything from houses to cars, tractors, and airplanes. He also lived for a time in San Diego, California with his brother Ray, helping him with his masonry business, and continuing to do freelance painting jobs – at one point painting an airplane for actor Clint Eastwood.

Don also drove the double-decker shuttle bus serving Tiger Village and gatehouse apartments, transporting students to and from the University of Missouri Campus in Columbia. It was at that time he met and became good friends with Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, who attended University there.

Don loved to travel, moving around frequently. After meeting his life partner Jean, they embarked on a months-long journey along Route 66 from it’s beginning in Chicago, to it’s end in Santa Monica – an adventure that was to become one of highlights of his life.

Don had a quick wit, and loved to joke - always endeavoring to bring laughter and smiles to the people he met. He was an expert roller skater, and loved to dance, sing and play guitar. He was also a gifted poet, leaving behind over 100 beautiful poems, and essays. He will be greatly missed.