The Richmond News, Apr. 25, 2025

Donald Forlow Donald Duncan Forlow, 88, of Richmond passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Don was born May 19, 1936, in Independence, the son of Clifford Elkington and Dorothy Lee (Holt) Forlow. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Joyce Land of Independence on Oct. 15, 1955. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on March 22, 2025.

Survivors include his two daughters, Lynn (Larry) Jech and Lisa (Lonnie) Quick, both of Richmond; and son, Craig (Cindy) Forlow of Lee’s Summit. Other survivors include three grandsons, Brandon (Annie) Quick, Nate (Tara) Quick and Zach (Erin) Forlow; and nine greatgrandchildren, Alayna, Paige, Kennedy, Adia, Avarie, Grayson, Gavin, Zoey and Hunter. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Ted; and sister, Sue Grauberger.

Don was an electrician by trade. After marrying Marilyn, the couple made their home in Independence before moving in 1972 to an 80-acre farm north of Rayville. There, Don raised cows, pigs and chickens; tended a large garden; and even once bought Marilyn a milk cow over the phone. He thoroughly enjoyed the simplicity and satisfaction of his small farm operation.

Both Don and Marilyn were active members of the Fort Osage Muzzle Loading Club. Don handcrafted a left-handed flintlock rifle, and made his own lead balls, powder horn and leather clothing to match the historical period. Marilyn proudly used a custom muzzleloader Don made just for her. In 1976, he even took part in the Missouri State Fair Bicentennial mustache contest.

After retiring at age 62, Don became active in the Richmond community. He served on the Ray County Museum board, where he donated primitive artifacts and built a custom handicap-accessible gate from scratch. He also assisted in the renovation of the historic Farris Theatre, crafting the stage elevator used for the opening performance of “The Wizard of Oz.” He served on the Ray County Senior Center Board as well.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Don learned pottery from a local artisan. He purchased a wheel from her, then went on to build two of his own. Pottery became a cherished pastime he shared with his son-in-law Lonnie – often paired with a Heineken beer – while Marilyn painted and fired their creations.

Don also loved participating in the Richmond Folk Life Festival at the fairgrounds, where he would dress in his mountain man attire and demonstrate traditional ropemaking. In addition, Don and Marilyn enjoyed fishing at Truman Lake, where Don constructed two houseboats out of old pontoon boats – one of which had a special opening so they could fish even in the rain.

In 2007, alongside Bob Simmons and Jon Gilliam, Don built his own blacksmith shop and spent countless hours creating tools and art from repurposed materials, like old implements, shovels and rakes. In 2020, he helped Lonnie build a blacksmith shop of his own.

Don had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. He and his buddies once drove all the way to Canada without repeating a single one.

He was always willing to lend a hand to friends and neighbors, and his vast collection of odds and ends meant he usually had just the thing someone needed. He and Lonnie shared a love of steam engine shows, auctions and tinkering with whatever they could get their hands on – or even if they should bring it home or not.

Don also cherished his time with his great-granddaughters Alayna and Paige, especially their tea parties. He delighted in giving Paige a collection of bells to ring, ensuring every tea party began with a proper announcement.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice, Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation or the Ray County Arts Association. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

A celebration of life with food and refreshments will be held noon-3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at his daughter Lisa’s home, 39141 Business Highway 10 West, Richmond. Inurnment will be at a later date with his beloved wife at the farm they loved so much.

Please share your memories of Don with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.