Don Lavern Reffitt, 79, of Kansas City, MO, went to his heavenly home on January 18, 2026. He was surrounded by his family.

Don was born on April 6, 1946 in Kansas City, MO to Charles Jacob and Mildred Lorene (O’Rear) Reffitt. Don married Mary Katherine Kelly on January 30, 1965 and they were happily married for 58 years until Kathy’s death. They raised four children.

Don’s life-long career was at Armco Steel. He began working there in the 1970’s. He was in the Grinding Media department where they made steel balls for the mining industry. Armco eventually became GST and then One Steel and now Moly-Cop USA. He went back to work there after retirement to train current employees. He was well loved there and known for being super ornery! He was also a mechanic on the side and could fix just about anything.

Don came from a very large family of nine children. He was close to his siblings and spent countless hours visiting with them; his brothers enjoyed pranking each other. He loved the outdoors and would often sit outside drinking iced tea while visiting with neighbors, family and friends. Family was everything to him. His family celebrates every person’s birthday and every holiday together. He enjoyed his grandchildren and loved being a Papa. He supported his “babies” in all of their activities such as baseball, football, dance, band concerts and gymnastics. Whenever his kids visited, he greeted them at the front door and as they parted ways he often walked them all the way out to their car giving kisses and “I love yous” as his kids left, watching until they were gone. He was a big sports fan and loved the Chiefs, often “coaching them” as he hollered at the television. He also enjoyed watching old western movies. In his younger years, he often went camping and fishing with his wife and children. He loved riding motorcycles and hunting with his boys. He dreamed of visiting Alaska for most of his life and was able to go in 2024.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his siblings: Norma Jean Creason, Delores Foster, Chuck Reffitt, Fred Reffitt, Mary List and Paul Reffitt

Don is survived by his children: Don Reffitt, II of Kansas City, MO; Todd (Kim) Reffitt of Pleasant Hill, MO; Elisa Williams of Belton, MO; Deanna (Dustin) Hills of Raytown, MO; grandchildren: Dillon Reffitt, Jordan (Patricia) Reffitt, James Porter, Avery Williams, Kylie Hills, Kynadie Hills, James Williams, Chase Hills and Kassidy Hills; four great grandchildren; his siblings, Mike Reffitt of Lone Jack, MO and Karen Kays of Maysville MO; numerous sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Park Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026. Graveside services will follow.