Don Ray Brenton Sr., 95, of Cuba, passed away, Sunday, July 5, 2026, at his home in the comforting presence of his beloved family. 

On February 9, 1931, Don was born to the union of F. L. Brenton & M. Elinor (Harrison) in Hinch, Missouri. 

Don proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska. 

He married the love of his life, Jacqueline (Barlow) on June 5, 1951, in Arkansas and together they shared 75 years of marriage. Truly a testament to their commitment & love for one another. 

He received his education from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, having earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. 

Don dedicated 30 plus years to education both in teaching positions as well as serving as a principal and administrator. 

Don loved fishing, hunting and gigging on the Meramec, he respected nature and found solace in the quiet of the trees, rivers and ponds. He loved and respected animals and was known for having many dogs as sidekicks, taking them for car rides around town to take care of errands. He also had a passion for gardening, tomato plants being his favorite to tend and grow. He wasn't much of a traveler but Jackie and him took an Alaskan Cruise which afforded him the opportunity to visit his old Army station. Don had the "gift of gab", he could and would talk to anyone at length about anything; he truly never met a stranger, and if they were it was short lived. He would literally give you the shirt off his back if you were in need, which spoke highly about his true character and how he carried himself through life. Most of all, Don loved his family and friends. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, F.L. (Elinor) Brenton; his sister, Lillie Scott; his brother, Vincent Brenton; his son, Mark Brenton. 

Don is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Jacqueline (Jackie) Barlow Brenton of Cuba; two sons, Don (Sharon) Brenton Jr. of Lebanon & John Paul Brenton of Cuba; daughter, Lisa Brenton Telle of Cuba; nieces, Lori Aman & Susan Scott of West Chester, Ohio; grandchildren: Lara (Mike) Hemby; Andy (Kathryn) Telle; Blake (Lauren) Brenton; Andrea (Chris) Brenton Jamieson; Brooke (Matt) Oursbourn; Morgan Brenton; great-grandchildren: Sara, Adam, Alex, & Nadia Hemby; Chloe (David) Lily; Karsyn Hodges; Eva, Luke, Esther, Elise & Titus Brenton; Nora, Nolan, Nathan & Naomi Oursbourn; Daniel Brenton; Jamieson Hudson; great-great-grandchildren: Michayla, Delilah & Devon Hemby; Damon & Dean Lily; Malechai Kimker; other relatives and many friends. 

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 2 P.M. also at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial with military honors will take place at Bourbon Cemetery. 

Arrangements under the compassionate care of Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory, Cuba, Missouri.