Donald Lee Bledsoe

Donald Lee Bledsoe, 87, of Olean passed away on January 2, 2022 in Jefferson City, MO at Capital Region Medical Center.

Don was born on March 14, 1934 in Olean, MO son of Meckie Belshe Bledsoe.  Don attended school in Olean and served his country in the Army from 1958-1961.  Don served in France where he met Roselyne, the mother of his two sons Philippe and Christopher.  After returning from service Don took on running the Olean Sale Barn.  Don and his family have been a part of the Olean Livestock/Sale Barn for 87 years, since its origination and at the current location in Eldon for 47 years.  Olean Livestock Market opened March 28, 1975.  The owners were Don Bledsoe and Roy Houston.  Prior to this, Don’s grandfather, C.R. “Tan” Belshe was an owner of the original Olean Sale Barn located in Olean, MO.  The original sale barn started business in 1935.  Don worked with his grandfather learning the cattle business where he became known as a pioneer in the cattle industry.  Don operated the sale barn from the 1950’s until he went into the service.  He returned in 1962 and continued operating the barn through 1975.  At that time, the partnership with Don and Roy was formed.  They started construction on the barn in August 1974 and it was completed in March of 1975.  The first sale in the new barn was on March 28, 1975.  On March 13, 2015 Olean Livestock welcomed partners Mark Atkinson, and Steve Dubbert into partnership with the Bledsoe and Houston families.  Throughout his lifetime in the cattle industry he valued and cherished his friendships that he was able to grow and maintain.  He has been a cattleman for the entirety of his life, aside from his time serving our great country.  Don was a quiet and reserved man but very much enjoyed being with and near his family.  He always wanted us close.  He loved his morning cup of coffee with his coffee club friends at The Hut.  Don was an observant person, a man of few words, who took in everything around him.  He expressed his thoughts rarely but when he did everyone stopped and listened.

He is survived by his son Christopher (Gayle) Bledsoe of Eldon.

Grandchildren,  Lacey Bledsoe, Cody (Larrissa) Bledsoe, Shelby Bledsoe and PJ Bledsoe of Eldon; his companion Carolyn Kempker of Eldon and nieces and nephews. 

Don was preceded in death by his son Philippe Bledsoe, Sisters Shirley Stewart and Jean Weaver and Brother Carroll Ronald Bledsoe.

Visitation will be held Wednesday January 5, 2022 from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M.  at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon MO.  Funeral Service will be Thursday January 6, 2022 11:00 A.M. at Phillips Funeral Home with Brother Bob Hoskins officiating.

Memorials in his name are suggested In Care of The Family for a scholarship fund in Don’s name.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.

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