Donald Riehn

Donald O. Riehn, 76, of Jackson, formerly of Millersville, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at his home.

He was born May 31, 1931, in Jackson, son of the late Walter E. and Grace Mae Surface Riehn. He and Shirley Hill Perkins were married Aug. 11, 1997, in Paris, Tenn.

Don graduated from the former College High School in Cape Girardeau in 1949, and entered into the Navy Reserve.

He was inducted into the U.S. Navy Feb. 7, 1952, serving on board the USS Worcester, and was honorably discharged Dec. 3, 1953.

He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1955 with a bachelor of science degree in industrial arts and biology. Don worked for Missouri Department of Transportation in Kirkwood and then in vocational rehabilitation for the state of Missouri in Cape Girardeau.

Don moved to California and worked for the U.S. government for a period of time, and in the early 1960s he moved to Hawaii, working for the FAA until his retirement in 1986 due to health conditions. He returned to Missouri in 2001.

Don attended Immanuel Lutheran Church at Tilsit, and was a member of the USS Worcester Association. The time he enjoyed most was traveling with his wife in their motor home.

Loving survivors include his wife; three sons, David (Linda) Riehn of Oxford, Mich., Richard (Jeanie) Riehn of Mililani, Hawaii, and Michael Riehn of Sheridan, Wyo.; a daughter, Nancy Riehn of Millersville; a stepson, DeWayne (Ilene) Perkins of Paso Robles, Calif.; a sister, Doris (Larry) Wilson of Gilbertsville, Ky.; three nephews, Kevin, Greg, and Brian Sitton; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at mccombsfuneralhome.com.