Donald "Don" M. Claycomb, Ph.D., of Linn, Missouri, died August 11, 2026, at the age of 84.

Don was born to Archie and Dorothy Claycomb on January 1, 1942, in Cainsville, Missouri. He and his younger brother, Charles Edward (Eddie), grew up near Princeton, Missouri, where his early years were shaped by family, farming, and education. He attended a one-room country school and later graduated from Princeton High School in 1960. His education continued at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a degree in agricultural education in 1964 and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity. He then earned a master’s degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University before receiving a Ph.D. in vocational technical education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Don began his professional life as a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, roles that would lay the foundation for more than five decades of service in the field of education. After leaving the high school classroom, Don taught at Trenton Junior College, Kansas State University, and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He then served as the executive director of the Missouri State Advisory Council on Technical Education before becoming president of Linn Technical College in 1993.

During his 23 years as president, Don played a central role in guiding the institution through its transition to become part of the state higher education system, creating State Technical College of Missouri, while also strengthening and transforming its programs, facilities, faculty, and reputation. When Don retired in 2016, the college awarded him its first honorary degree and named its Information Technology Center the “Dr. Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center” in recognition of his extraordinary service.

Among his many honors were a Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Councils on Vocational Education and recognition as a “2015 Pioneer in Education” by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In 2018, Governor Mike Parson appointed Don to the Missouri State Board of Education, where he continued his commitment to strengthening the education of children and youth across the state.

While Don loved his work, he also valued community, family, and service, making a difference through his involvement with many civic organizations and his commitment to the mission and ministry of Saint John’s United Methodist Church in Linn.

Don was the proud father of two daughters, Dana Hill and Donna Claycomb Sokol, who were born during his first marriage to Nelva Hinshaw. He later married Linda Johnston Blake in 1989 and fully welcomed her sons, Scott Blake and Sean Blake, into his life. Don and Linda then welcomed their youngest child, Steven Claycomb. Don and Linda shared a love of the outdoors and enjoyed camping and traveling. They also enjoyed their small hobby farm in Linn.

Don is survived by his daughters, Dana Hill and Donna (Craig) Sokol; sons, Steven (Alexandra) Claycomb, Scott (Jennifer) Blake, and Sean (Jodi) Blake; grandchildren, Kayla Stover, Scout and Arden Claycomb, and Ethan, Abigail, Emily, and Keira Blake; his brother, Charles Edward and his wife, Sharon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, and his parents, Archie and Dorothy.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Dr. Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center Rotunda at State Technical College of Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the Vehicle and Power Center Conference Hall at State Technical College of Missouri, with Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol and Rev. Kayla Beard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to the Claycomb Nursing Scholarship at State Technical College of Missouri, One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051, or to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 920 East Main Street, Linn, MO 65051.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)  www.mortonchapel.com