Donald Ray Lotton, 82, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at The Bluffs in Columbia.

Graveside services will held be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 14, at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 14, from 10:00 – 10:45 A.M. at Arnold Funeral Home.

Don was born to parents Maria and Herbert Lotton in New Hartford, Missouri on July 24, 1940.  After Herbert completed his military duty the family moved to Mexico, Missouri and opened Lotton Market.  Herbert was killed in an automobile accident when Don was ten years old leaving Don and Maria to tend the store.  Realizing that the small town of Mexico had a relatively high draft quota relative to the available young men, Don enlisted in the army in the early 1960s.  He served in military intelligence in Hamburg, Germany.  He returned to the states with a taste for good German beer, a nice Riesling and a bride.  Don met fellow American Sandra Chapple in the offices of the American Consulate in Hamburg where she was working.  He took her rowing on an urban lake on their first date not knowing that Sandy didn't swim and was terrified of water.  In spite of that beginning they were married in Hamburg on December 5, 1965 and set out for St. Louis where Don began a career as a CPA with Peat, Marwick and Mitchell.  Daughter Christine entered the scene in 1972.

His work as a financial executive took him to Peoria, Illinois and back to Mexico, Missouri.  Finally, weary of suits, black socks and early morning meetings, he and Sandy began a business buying and selling antiques.  Don was in his element at an auction sporting a floppy sun hat and armed with a thermos of coffee. He was also a fierce Mizzou alum and could often be found cheering on the girls' softball team.

Don was preceded in death by his mother Maria Lotton and his daughter Christine Chapple Lotton.

Survivors include, his wife Sandra Chapple Lotton and grandchildren Amanda (Tim), Sarah (Joseph), TJ, and Morgan and great-grandchildren Holley, Hayden and Olivia.  Son-in-law Billy Travis Gray and sister-in-law Susan Chapple Langemack (William) will also miss him greatly.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Alzheimer's Association. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com