Dr. Donald “Don” Melvin Boesch passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones early the morning of November 28th, 2025 at the age of 87.
At the time of his passing, Don was a resident of Jackson, MO, though he was a well-traveled family man originally from Perryville, MO. Don and his wife Finian Corine (Amschler) made Perryville their home until late Summer 2025.
Don was loved as a friend, colleague, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. While Don was a characteristically humble man, he was also a man of many honors and accomplishments.
Born in Perryville, MO to Melvin A. and Lila Mae (Pittman) Boesch, Don grew up with his brother Allan on the Boesch family farm in Perry County.
Don and his brother were put to work at a young age raising cattle and crops. Don graduated from Perryville High School before traveling to Columbia, MO to continue his education.
Don was also a proud alumnus of the University of Missouri, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Agriculture, a master’s degree in Community Development, and his PhD in Higher and Adult Education. Those who knew Don no doubt noticed his two class rings that he wore daily, one showcasing the characteristic Mizzou “M” and the other of custom tiger’s eye stone.
While in college, Don was a member of ROTC. Upon graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Don joined the United States Army and progressed to the rank of First Lieutenant commanding an artillery battery in Fort Sill, OK. Family and friends will recall Don’s pride and fondness of his time in the military, particularly his days spent as a Battery Commander of 105mm howitzers while stationed with the National Guard in Columbia, MO. He frequently cited his years with the military as some of the best years of his life.
After Don’s time in the military, he spent the remainder of his professional career working for the University of Missouri Extension Service throughout the state of Missouri. In his time with the university, Don published six academic works and completed just as many unpublished writings.
On Thanksgiving Day 1959, Don married his betrothed Finian Amschler. Don’s military career, education, and career with the University of Missouri took them to many locales over the years including Fort Sill, OK, Columbia, MO, Trenton, MO, Farmington, MO, and Hannibal, MO. Though their marriage saw many houses, Perryville was always home to Don and Finian and they retired there in 1994. The celebration of their 66th wedding anniversary preceded Don’s death by just a couple days–commemorated on November 26th of 2025. Don and Finian were rarely apart from one another. Even in Don’s final moments, Finian was at his side.
Friends and family will also recall Don’s hobbies over the years. Among his many accolades, Don was also a multi-engine rated pilot, a hobby and skill he enjoyed for many years. Don had a fondness for woodworking, gardening, traveling, and technology. Don was an early adopter of personal computers and typically had some sort of technological marvel he tinkered with– motorcycles, planes, computers, scooters, stereos, cameras, engines, and ATVs. Don was also an avid hunter and skilled outdoorsman. Many may recall that Don was just at home in a tree stand on the Boesch Family farm as he was at the dinner table. And, yes, those who knew Don best know that he was certainly at home at the dinner table.
Beyond his many interests and his service in the military, Don took his duty as a member of the community seriously. Don was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville. Everywhere he went, Don was an active member and leader in many civic organizations, such as being the President of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, member of the Trenton Rotary Club, and various Planning and Zoning commissions, academic advisory boards, and Boards of Directors. Don also served on the First State Community Bank Board of Directors in Perryville for nearly 30 years.
Don is survived by a large, loving family including his caring wife Finian Boesch (Amschler), his brother Allan (Patty) Boesch, and his three daughters, Belinda (Don) Huonker of Oro Valley, AZ, Jane (Greg) Allen of Farmington, MO, and Pam Rhodes of Cape Girardeau, MO. Don’s legacy will also live on through his many grandchildren including Bryant (Alta) Allen of Farmington, MO, Melanie (Brennan) Black of Quincy, MA, Dr. Bryana (Bret) Martin of Dallas, TX, Brittany (Conner) Kelly of Oceanside, CA, Samuel (Kelsey) Rhodes of Cape Girardeau, MO, and his youngest grandson Zachary Rhodes –a fellow service member (United States Marine Corps)–of Iwakuni, Japan.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Melvin A. and Lila Mae Boesch and his great-granddaughter Emry Marie Martin.
All are welcome to Don’s visitation at Ford and Young Funeral Home at 110 S. West Street in Perryville, MO from 9:00 am to 10:50 am on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Funeral Service will start at 11:00 am at Ford & Young Funeral Home with Deacon Direk Hunt Officiating. Graveside service will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Southeast Missouri Pets.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.