Don Weakly

Don Lance Weakly, 68, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born May 15, 1946, in Oran, Missouri, to the late Richard Lance and Morean Weakly.

Don was assistant pastor at St. Matthew's Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He then became pastor of Union Baptist Church in Pinhook and was later elevated to the title of bishop.

He was engaged in radio ministry many years, broadcasting from KYMO in East Prairie, Missouri. He was a former mayor and sheriff of Haywood City, Missouri, where he brought many improvements to the community during his reign. He also brought the New Morning Star Food Bank to Haywood City and helped with the local summer food program. Don was also inspirational in bringing the East Missouri Action Agency to the Bootheel.

He and Ethel Eggleston were married Dec. 8, 1972.

Survivors include his wife; four sons and a daughter-in-law, Eddie and Monet Jenkins of Nashville, Tennessee, Melvin Burrnell of Minneapolis, Tavis Betts of Cape Girardeau and Kendall Steele of Belleville, Illinois; a daughter, Ollie Betts of Cape Girardeau; three brothers, Robert Hamilton of St. Louis, Carl Hamilton of Sikeston, Missouri, and Michael Hamilton of Haywood City; six sisters, Hattie Latham of Gulfport, Mississippi, Earlene Thomas of Cape Girardeau, Mary Curry of St. Louis, Patricia Cagle of Caruthersville, Missouri, Phyllis Rowe and Beverly Morris of Sikeston; a very special granddaughter whom he raised, Yolanda Betts of Cape Girardeau; a very special grandson whom he raised, Sedaka Betts of Pollock, Louisiana; six additional grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Friends may call from noon until service time Friday at Greater Dimensions Church.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. with the pastor, William Bird, officiating. Interment will be in Fairmount Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home of Charleston, Missouri, is in charge of arrangements.