Donald "Don" Kassebaum Sr.

Donald Dale Kassebaum Sr., of O’Fallon, MO, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 82. Beloved husband of Barbara Kassebaum; cherished son of the late Clara and Milton J. Kassebaum; devoted father of Don (Beth) Kassebaum, Jr., Carol (Dan) Walker, Darin (Monica) Kassebaum, Darlene (Joe) Fallon, Derrik (Laura) Kassebaum, and Denver (Audra) Kassebaum; loving grandfather of Abby Kassebaum, Nikki (Landon) Hobson, Bradley (Nickie) Kassebaum, Bethany Kassebaum, Joel Walker, Luke (Carly) Walker, Joshua Walker, Deborah Walker, Rebekah (Cole) Stevenson, Peter Walker, Anna Walker, Jesse (Abby) Kassebaum, Christian (Allison) Kassebaum, Jonathan Kassebaum, Daniel Kassebaum, Dasha Kassebaum, Sarah (Wesley) Crutcher, Hannah (Joshua) Fannin, Rachel (Micah) Kirn, Samuel Fallon, Tabitha Fallon, Lydia Fallon, Elise Kassebaum, Raquel Kassebaum, Faith Kassebaum, Hope Kassebaum, and Joy Kassebaum; great grandfather of Judah, Roman, Levi, Max, Thea, Charlie, Henry, Oliver, Leif, Asa, Jovi, Quinn, Elizabeth, William, Noelle, Lilliosa, and Danielle; dear brother of Barbara (the late Darrell) Wallace and the late Midge (Charles) Zweiner.

Don proudly and honorably served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years. His profession was a barber/hairstylist for 20 years, and he was married to his beloved wife, Barb, for 62 wonderful years. Together, they shared a life filled with love, adventure, and service. Whether traveling for work or leisure, caring for others, or simply enjoying time with family, Don and Barb did everything side by side. In 1980, Don founded a company called COSMOS, which means “universal”; and through the leadership of his sons, it is now worldwide. In 2003, he and Barb started Gifts of Love International (GOLI), a ministry through which they dedicated themselves to helping those in need and sharing the gospel around the world.

A true outdoorsman, Don found joy in trout fishing and camping with his children and grandchildren. Embracing a hardworking and family-centered lifestyle, Don was deeply involved in his community, serving as a baseball coach, manager and president of Khoury League Baseball which included his family in every aspect of his life. He even authored a book about his life titled He Will Make a Way.

A passionate follower of Christ, Don—alongside his beloved wife, Barb—faithfully served as a missionary for over 30 years. Together, they traveled the world, investing in the lives of thousands and bringing the hope of the gospel to the poor and underserved, They traveled to Africa, Liberia, India, South America, Congo, and Central America. Yet, Don’s heart was always in Guatemala—a place he considered his spiritual home on earth.

They poured into communities, churches, and individuals, always pointing people to the transforming love and power of Jesus Christ. His faith in Christ was his anchor—guiding every step of his journey and sustaining him through every season. His legacy is not only carried on through his family, but also through the countless lives forever changed by the gospel he lived and shared.

Each morning, Don and Barb began their day reading from Psalms 91, 112, and 84—anchoring their lives in the promises and presence of God. Don was dearly loved, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him. Yet we rejoice, knowing that he now dwells in the presence of Jesus—the One he loved and served with his whole life.

Memorials may be made in Don's name to Gifts of Love at https://www.goli.org/