Donnie Brightwell, 81

Donnie Brightwell, 81, of Protem, died April 23, 2020, at his residence. A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

He was born Aug. 25, 1938, in Kissee Mills, the son of Urey and Eastle Clarkson Brightwell. He was a lifelong resident of Taney County. On March 22, 1958, he married Delene Wyman. In 1959, he began to work on the construction of new buildings. Later he operated heavy equipment and opened B & T Construction Company with his son-in-law, Henry Tilley. 

Mr. Brightwell was well known for the work he did around the community. He was a board member at Protem Community Church,  a member of Sampson Masonic Lodge No. 298 in Theodosia, and a member of the Mark Twain school board.

He enjoyed farming and working with his cattle and mules. Each morning he and his dog (Angel and then Chubby) would start their day at the Pioneer Store. 

He especially loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Delene Brightwell of the home; his daughter, Donna Lowrance and husband Todd of Protem; his grandson Darren Tilley and wife Elise of Protem; other grandsons Scott Tilley and wife Shanna, and Cobb Lowrance and wife Amy, all of Marshfield, and Cory Lowrance and wife Heidi of Lebanon; great-grandchildren Natalee, Hannah, Chloe and Boe, Grace and Gavin Tilley, Lane, Katelyn, Eli, Uriah and Zelma Lowrance; one sister, Dorothy Godwin of Branson; brothers Delmar Brightwell and wife Wanda of Texas, Kennith Brightwell and wife Josie of Oklahoma; sisters in-law Barbara Brightwell of Oklahoma and Kathy Brightwell of Protem. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Wesley Brightwell; siblings Sam Brightwell, Jerry Brightwell and Kay Brightwell; brother in-law Jay Godwin; and son in-law Henry Tilly. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Protem Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at whelchelgracefuneralhome.com.

Whelchel Grace Funeral Home, Forsyth, directors.