Don McCallie of Dittmer, MO, passed away on September 24, 2023. He was a devoted husband of 48 years to his beloved wife, Peggy, and a dear father to his children, Matt and Maggie.

Don’s love of working on the river began at the age of 17 when he first worked on a towboat on the Mississippi River. His knowledge, dedication, and hard work led to a life-long career in the towboat business, including owning and running his own business, McCallie Marine Services, for the past 30 years. Don was well-loved as a faithful businessman who always treated everyone kindly and expressed great competence and love for his position as a towboat broker.

Cherishing his Scottish heritage, Don managed McCallie Highland Coos, which raises grass-fed, grass-finished Highland coos (cattle) on Wild Flower Farm, where Peggy also raises Shetland Sheep. Together, they traveled to Scottish Games throughout the Midwest for many years and, more recently, to local markets to sell Highland beef and wool products from the sheep, which Peggy creates by hand. Don and Peggy loved hosting tours of their nearly 100 animals and beautiful acreage at Wild Flower Farm. These tours will continue through Peggy’s love and joy of the farm and life she and Don created in Dittmer. Don was a Heartland Highland Cattle Association member for many years and enjoyed meeting and talking with other Highland Coo lovers.

Don enjoyed working on and driving his Ford Model "A" and was a local Model "A" Club member. He loved taking his Model "A" out for rides and touring with the club. Don looked forward to Model "A" club events and even hosted several parties for members at Wild Flower Farm.

A side job that Don gave as much as he could to was serving as a roadie to his son Matt. As sole owner of The Matt McCallie Orchestra, Matt is grateful for Don's help at many gigs throughout the past 12 years. Don loved his family deeply and gave all he could to support his children, including attending many of Matt and Maggie’s musical performances.

All who knew Don will remember him for his sweet, kind, gentle, and good-natured demeanor. He was welcoming, generous, loving to everyone he met, and willing to help anyone whenever possible. Don’s laughter and sweet smile will be with us all forever.

No memorial services will be held for Don, as per his wishes. Donations to Living Lands & Waters (https://www.livinglandsandwat…) are recommended, as this was an important organization that Don supported for many years.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/donald-mccallie/obituary/

Copy