A familiar voice in southeast Missouri broadcasting was celebrated recently as Donze Communications hosted a retirement party honoring longtime broadcaster Don Pritchard, whose career in broadcasting spans nearly 60 years.
Organized by Donze Communications owner and General Manager Jack Donze, the gathering brought together fellow broadcasters, current and former employees, family members and community friends to recognize Pritchard’s many years in radio and local journalism.
Jack Donze welcomed those in attendance and congratulated Pritchard on his 35 years with Donze Communications. He also highlighted a family history deeply rooted in local broadcasting. Jack represents the third generation of the Donze family in the business. Pritchard was hired by Jack’s father, Elmo Donze, while Elmo’s father, Elmer, and uncle, Norbert, founded KSGM radio in 1947.
During the celebration, fellow broadcasters and former employees shared recorded audio tributes, offering their congratulations and recalling memories from their time working with Pritchard.
Missouri State Rep. Bryant Wolfin also presented Pritchard with a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives recognizing his contributions to southeast Missouri journalism and his years of service. The resolution noted Pritchard’s work with KSGM, KAPE, KZIM and the News Guardian, as well as his commitment to preserving the stories, people and traditions of the region.
Missouri House of Representatives Resolution
Recognizing Donald A. Pritchard
Whereas, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives proudly pause to recognize Donald A. Pritchard, who has devoted nearly forty years of his life to preserving milestones, traditions and memories as a southeast Missouri community journalist; and
Whereas, Donald Pritchard retired from his position as the News Director for Donze Communications on July 30, 2026, after thirty-five years of writing and recording broadcasts for KSGM radio news, and penning articles and social media posts for the Sun Time News online, diligently covering the people, places, and events important to the Mississippi River Region; and
Whereas, throughout a remarkable career that included reporting for KAPE, KZIM, and the News Guardian, Donald Pritchard became a trusted member of Ste. Genevieve as he shared the great accomplishments and quiet moments of life through honest storytelling, chronicling daily life with compassion and dignity, and fostering trust with friends, neighbors and community leaders alike; and
Whereas, Donald Pritchard’s lasting contributions to preserving the heritage of Ste. Genevieve strengthened community pride while offering a glimpse into the lives of iconic individuals including Missouri’s own Rush Limbaugh and celebrated science fiction author Isaac Asimov; and
Whereas, understanding the importance of clear communication during natural disasters and critical emergencies, Donald Pritchard was an active member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and Ste. Genevieve County Ham Club, always ready to test equipment and lend support through ham’s network; and
Whereas, throughout his extraordinary career, Donald Pritchard has been blessed with the love and support of his devoted wife of fifty-three years, Linda Puckett Pritchard; parents, Gavin Lee and Shirley Mae Heisler; and children, Christopher Pritchard, Bobbi Kallenberger, Charity Michael, Sandra Holifield, Stephanie Crawford, Julie Cole, and Ashley Ehouman; and
Whereas, Donald Pritchard leaves an incredible legacy of service that preserved the rich heritage of southeast Missouri one story at a time, his unwavering commitment a testament to the importance of local journalism that unites communities throughout our great state:
Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, as the undersigned members of the Missouri House of Representatives, One Hundred Third General Assembly, join in expressing our warmest appreciation to Donald Pritchard for an exceptional four-decade career in community journalism, and in wishing his blessings on a well-deserved retirement; and
Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Donald A. Pritchard as a mark of our esteem for him.
Offered by: Representative Bryant Wolfin, District No. 145
I, Jonathan Patterson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, One Hundred Third General Assembly, Second Regular Session, do certify that the above is a true and correct copy of House Resolution No. 7487, adopted August 4, 2026.
Jonathan Patterson, Speaker
Of course, Pritchard had a few stories of his own. He entertained those attending with recollections from his many years behind the microphone, giving everyone a reminder of the experiences and personalities that have made up a career in local broadcasting.
After 60-plus years in broadcasting, including 35 years with Donze Communications, Pritchard’s retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter in local radio — one filled with news, community connections, memorable moments and, no doubt, plenty of stories to tell.