The Richmond News, Feb. 6, 2026

Donald L. Carmichael, 84, of Excelsior Springs passed away Feb. 3, 2026, at Liberty Hospital.

Don was born Nov. 29, 1941, in Orrick.

He was a member of the American Legion and Flack Memorial Church. In September 1960, he joined the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in July 1964 from his last duty station, the USS Shenandoah, home port, Norfolk, Va.

After returning from the Navy, he was hired in 1964 at Ford Motor Co. in Claycomo.

He met his wife, Rita Carmichael, in 1965 and married on May 29 that same year. They had a son, Rob, in 1967; and a daughter, Becca, in 1971.

He retired in 1997 from Ford Motor Co. after 33 years. Don enjoyed tending to his property, including mowing, planting and nurturing trees, and was an avid tinkerer. He also enjoyed attending church services and Bible study, which began with his wife Rita and grew after her passing. He was grateful for the friendships established from church.

Some of his fondest memories were traveling with Rita to spend time with his kids, and watch his grandkids and great-grandkids play sports and participate in other activities. Don loved to take advantage of every opportunity to interact with his grandkids and great-grandkids, including numerous games of catch, participating in children’s games, rocking them in his chair and long phone calls when they were apart.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; mother, Lucille Carmichael; father, Melvin Carmichael; brothers, Toby and Bobby; and sister, Dee.

Survivors include his son, Rob (Diane); daughter, Becca; grandson, Reece (Alex); and granddaughter, Peyton (Justin) Seaton. Other survivors include his great-grandchildren, Stetson, Easton, Wrenley, Deacon and Rowan; brothers, Jr. (Linda) and Dennis (Sherry) Parsons; and sisters, Betty Davis, Melva Barb and Susie Kreitz.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Flack Memorial Church in Excelsior Springs. Visitation also will be held at Flack Memorial Church, starting at 2 Friday.