Joseph Wayne Price, son of Gene and Ruby (Doyle) Price, was born September 16, 1949, in Springfield, Missouri, and left the troubles of this world behind to be reunited with his sweet Donita Mae, on April 18, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of seventy-six years.
Joseph or “Joe” as most people knew him, was raised the youngest of three boys. Growing up Joe’s father Gene, worked for the Frisco Railroad. This always intrigued Joe. Soon, after serving in the United States Air Force, he followed in his father and brother’s footsteps and started a job with Frisco Railroad, which later became Burlington Northern Railroad. He continued this career for many years, until his retirement. In later years, he was employed with Avis Car Rental, farmed with Don Calton, and acted as a private detective with Gary Wells. He thoroughly enjoyed his role in The Conway Community Days and his volunteer work for the Red Cross and O.E.M.
In his early twenty’s, Joe was united in marriage with his first love, Sue, and to this union was born a son Robert.
Joe later found himself in a battle with cancer and fought for his life. He received many treatments, including a bone marrow transplant. He won that courageous fight, a feat that he and his family were most thankful for.
On April 3, 1998, Joe was united in marriage with Donita and inherited two loving daughters, Shalyn and Melanie. Together the family shared the next twenty-four years of love, laughter and precious memories until Donita’s passing on September 2, 2022. They were devoted caregivers, returning those special duties to each other as needed.
Joe was a lover of antiquing, and was often teased about his antique hoardings. He enjoyed Amish goods as often as he could and woodworking. He was very creative, and could make picture frames, kerosene lamp stands, shelves and furniture. He and Donita loved to travel. However, he especially cherished the time spent and memories made with his family.
Joe leaves behind to celebrate his memory, his only son, Robert Price and his wife Karie of Tyler, Texas; two daughters, Shalyn Howe and her husband Donnie of Phillipsburg, Mo. and Melanie Dampier and her husband Kevin of Conway, Mo.; six grandchildren, Sophie Howe, Claire Howe, Thomas Howe, Caroline Howe, Emma Dampier and her fiancé, Creed Skidmore and Lucy Dampier; one, brother Jerry Price and his wife Twila of Springfield, Mo.; one brother-in-law, Don McDermitt and his wife Sallee, of Allen, Texas; his mother-in-law, Lois Lomenick of Lebanon, Mo.; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
He is also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John Price.
Joe was a loving father, caring grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain, until we met again.
Funeral services for Joseph Wayne Price will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel with Matt Wilson and Rick Howerton officiating. Burial will be in Lebanon City Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force. Visitation will be held at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel Friday, April 24, 2026 starting at 5:00 p.m.
Memorials have been suggested in memory of Joe to Sleep In Heavenly Peace or to Boys Town of Nebraska. Donations may be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
