Donnie Erwin

Donald Lee “Donnie” Erwin, son of Donald Lee Bruns-Erwin and Delores Ann VanGorkom, was born August 18, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri. Donnie went missing on December 29, 2013. He was returned to his family on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023.

Donnie was fifty-nine years old at the time of his passing.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Karen Erwin; a brother, Ronald Erwin; and a sister-in-law, Emma Erwin.

He is survived by his son, Jeremy Erwin of Denver, Colorado; his sisters, Yvonne Erwin-Bowen and husband Terry, of Kansas City, Missouri and Tonya Moore-Clemens and husband Harold, of Belton, Missouri; two brothers, E.W. “Dub” Erwin of Gladstone, Missouri and Rod Erwin and wife Mary, of Kansas City, Missouri; an aunt, Georgene Capps of Camdenton, Missouri; an uncle, Lonnie Ragain of Camdenton, Missouri; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donnie grew up in Kansas City. On May 30, 1972, Donnie entered the United States Navy where her proudly served his country for three years aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise until being honorably discharged on March 17, 1975. Following his discharge, Donnie returned to Missouri and started his family and his career as an Automated Machinist Specialist.

Donnie had a brilliant mind and was a very skilled computer programmer. He worked in this field until his health forced him to retire. He was known as a hard worker and always did his best to provide for his family.

Donnie had a passion for music and loved playing his harmonica. In his spare time, Donnie enjoyed playing frisbee, fishing, and being outdoors. He was a marvelous person and never met a stranger. He was very devoted to his family.

Although Donnie’s time with us was cut short his memory will live on forever in those who loved and cared for him.

Donnie’s family would like to thank all of those who never gave up searching for him. Their tireless efforts ensured that Donnie would be reunited with his family.

On behalf of Donnie’s family: Thank You to the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, Colonel Jimmy Brashear, Detective Jeremiah Burnett; Mid-County Fire Protection District and the Mid-County F.P.D. Dive Team, Chief Scott Frandsen; Mindi Sales, James Hinkle, Roberta Banner Rooffener, Missouri Missing; Doug Bishop, Carson McMaster, Josh Cantu, Chaos Divers; Gateway Search Dogs, LLC-Christi Brown Raak and “Jude;” and the countless other volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring Donnie home.

A Celebration of Life Service with full Military Honors will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, April 27, 2024 in the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton.

Memorial donations may be made to Operation 22 til Freedom.

Here is some information about Operation 22 til Freedom.

MISSION – VISION

OTTF’s mission is to help reduce the veteran suicide rate from an average of 22 a day to zero. Their mission is structured through three pillars of support.

Pillar One – Community Awareness. We attend many locally hosted events to educate the public about veteran suicide and how they can help.

Pillar Two – Veteran Outreach Programs. We have an emergency assistance fund for our veterans, a Christmas assistance fund, emergency counseling assistance. New for 2022 is Get Fit with OTTF and OTTF Veteran Family Nights.

Pillar Three – Fundraising Efforts. We hosts multiple fundraising events throughout the year to support veterans. We have several funding programs to assist both local and national veterans. Locally we partner with other nonprofit organizations with an interest in assisting veterans. We provide the said organization with organizational needs and veteran emergency assistance. A designated portion of proceeds is donated directly to charities with a substantial interest in assisting veterans.

DONATIONS PLAN

90% of our proceeds go directly to the cause.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.

Below is the link to Donnie's Memorial Video.

https://youtu.be/myANRD3f9X4?si=bFHTBrkmcn99cwgS