The Richmond News, July 18, 2025

Donald Hoagland

Donald “Hoagie” Hoagland, 86, of O’Fallon passed away July 9, 2025, with family and friends by his side in O’Fallon. Don is survived by Linda (nee Shaffer), his high school sweetheart for 63 years. He was the dear father of Kevin (Nicole) Hoagland; was preceded in death by his son, Eric Hoagland, and daughter, Sabrina Gibbs; was the dear father-in-law of Jeff Gibbs; and was the treasured “PaPa Don” to Kyle Gibbs, Lorelei and Shelbey Hoagland.

The only child of Lon and Alma Hoagland, Don enjoyed his early years on the Hoagland ranch in Barber County, Kan. The Hoaglands opened a grocery store in Cunningham, Kan., where Don attended Cunningham High School. There, he served as student director of the school band, the pep band and cheerleader.

Hoagie formed his own youth dance band, made up mostly of high school musicians, playing dances all over the area. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Don joined the Musicians Union and continued playing his trumpet for events in the Midwest and on many cruise ships for more than 50 years. The Hoagie and Pzazz Band entertained thousands throughout the years, playing big band hits and had several records produced.

Don’s interest in music brought him into broadcasting, where he received his degree in radio engineering from Wichita (Kan.) State University. He earned a radio-television first-class engineer license from the Federal Communications Commission.

“Hoagie” then built and owned radio station KANS-FM in Larned, Kan. The successful station (now KLQR 1510-AM and 92.3-FM) is still on the air, with a signal that covers a large part of Kansas.

Hoagland sold KANS and the family moved to Excelsior Springs, where Don built and operated KEXS.

Don was involved in his community by serving on boards, commissions, service clubs, etc. Don was honored by receiving the community’s Citizen of the Year Award, as well as a number of awards from the county and state governments.

He served 10 years on the Excelsior Springs City Council, two terms as mayor pro tem and one term as mayor. He also served as the Eastern County judge for Clay County for eight years and as executive director of the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce for 30 years until his retirement.

In 2000, Don and Linda moved to the St. Louis area to be near their children and grandchildren. Don enjoyed being retired and watching his family grow.

The family will have a private graveside service at a later date. Memorial contributions have been suggested to the June Jessee Memorial Foundation, which provides relief and support to children with medically complex neurological conditions and their families.