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Steven Donald “Don” Schaberg, 84, finished his life journey on November 27, 2022. Don was born in Wellington, Missouri on August 9, 1938, to Margaret (Dumas/Schaberg) Koch and William Stanley Schaberg. Don was a 1956 graduate of Wellington-Napoleon High School and received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri (MU). While at MU, Don earned recognition as a Cadet Master Sergeant of the Army ROTC, was a member of Chi Epsilon Fraternity, and Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. Don later received his master’s in Civil Engineering from MU.
In 1960, Don was hired as a Project Manager with Burns & McDonnell (BMcD) in Kansas City, MO and was promoted several times during his 26 years. He eventually became head of BMcD’s Structural Engineering Department and is credited for initiating the design of BMcD aircraft hangers. This propelled him into managing all BMcD aircraft hangar projects worldwide, traveling the globe, and becoming fluent in multiple languages.
In 1986, Burns & Roe recruited Don as Vice President, overseeing Southeast Operations in Orlando, FL. In the late 90s, he purchased a farm outside Wellington, MO to enjoy his retirement. Not one to retire completely, he took a position with the Wellington-Napoleon School District as a driver for the school’s athletic teams. Don enjoyed watching the WNHS sporting events, as well as those of MU, the Chiefs, the Royals, and NASCAR racing. He pursued his pilot’s license and scuba certification for recreation and took pleasure in photography, golfing, and sailing.
Don is survived by his three children: Janet Moore, Lee’s Summit; MO, Lisa (Todd) Dyer; Lee’s Summit, MO; Mark (Christy) Schaberg, Wellington, MO and seven grandchildren: Jackson, Taylor, Ellie, Drew, Brett, Luke, and Scout, along with four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind three stepchildren: Shannon Semler, Blue Springs, MO; Shawn Semler, Richmond, MO; Shane Semler, Blue Springs, MO; and their children: Summer, Katherine, Olivia, Eliza, and Brittney. Other survivors include his brothers Kim (Patricia) Schaberg, Lee’s Summit, MO; and Robert “Bob” (Bonnie) Koch, Overland Park, KS. Don’s wife of 40 years, Andra, preceded him in death on February 16, 2020.
A visitation is planned for Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wellington-Napoleon Funeral Home, 401 Walnut St., Wellington, MO 64097. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wellington-Napoleon Booster’s Club in care of the funeral home.
Numbers 6:24-26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make Hs face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”