Don Lovell, 64, of Mexico, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at his home surrounded by loving family.

Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 4, at Arnold Funeral Home with Chaplain Bill Barkman officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation is Friday from 12:30 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Don was born on December 27, 1957, in Fulton, Missouri, the son of Charles A. and Shirley M. (O'Toole) Lovell. On Sept. 5, 1981, in Monona, Iowa, he married Tara Johanningmeier, the love of his life. They were married 40 years.

Don loved both participating and watching sports. He was an excellent golfer, playing in high school and many golf tournaments. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. During childhood he spent many nights with his radio in bed listening to the Cardinals instead of sleeping. He kept scorecards at the games and could still remember players numbers up to this day. He enjoyed season tickets to Mizzou basketball and football for many years, but the Tigers had a way of breaking our hearts and letting us down. He became an Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed an annual tailgate with his Iowa family.

He was lucky enough to attend World Series games, Final 4 games and many professional golf tournaments.

He travelled extensively with his family as a child. Other times, he was fishing with extended family. He continued to enjoy travelling and sporting events with his wife, Tara. Aruba and Las Vegas were some of their favorite destinations.

Don was a kind hearted generous man. He always thought of others before himself. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals. He grew up with an assortment of pets from rabbits, ducks and even a pot-bellied pig.

Survivors include his wife, Tara Lovell of the home; two brothers, Rich (Lisa) Lovell of Vandalia and Steve (Sandy) Lovell of Cusseta, Georgia; Tara's brothers and sister, John (Patti) Johanningmeier of Belvidere, Illinois, Rick (Janice) Johanningmeier of Monona, Iowa, Tami (Doug) McReynolds of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Dan (Patty) Johanningmeier of Columbia; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. His nieces and nephews affectionately called him Bubba and candy man, because he always brought them treats.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Shirley Lovell; and his in-laws, Lee Allen and Eileen (Auer) Johanningmeier.

We will miss him greatly and will celebrate his life with joy in our hearts, because that is what he would have wanted.

Memorial donations may be made to Kindred Hospice, American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice. All may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO  65265.