Donald Jack Duffy

Donald Jack Duffy, fondly known as Don, passed away on February 2, 2026, at his home in Blue Springs, Missouri, at the age of 85. He was born on September 19, 1940, in Nelson, Missouri, to Charles and Jane (Collier) Duffy at his Aunt Doris Staley's home. Growing up on his parents' farm near Marshall Junction, Don's early life was shaped by the values of hard work and perseverance that would guide him throughout his remarkable journey.

A proud achiever in his educational pursuits, Don attended Prairie Lee Elementary and Marshall High School before making the decision to serve his country. His dedication to service led him to enlist in the Navy immediately after his graduation, where he served as an aviation electronic tech 2, distinguishing himself as one of only 600 enlisted men in the Navy at the time. Although offered a position in a prep school that would lead to entrance in the US Naval Academy, Don opted to explore other paths, ultimately serving three honorable years in the Navy.

Resuming his educational pursuits, Don enrolled in Central Missouri State University, ultimately earning his Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemistry in 1970. In the midst of his college years, Don met the love of his life, Constance "Connie" Ann Flasch. They married in 1975 in her hometown of Brookfield, Missouri and celebrated a love-filled 50 years together, honoring their milestone anniversary on December 27, 2025. Their union was enriched by numerous shared interests and adventures, including their love for travel, which took them to Florida, California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Chicago. Many of these journeys included camping trips until the passage of time necessitated a shift towards more comfortable accommodations.

Don's professional life was marked by his tenure at Ford Motor Company, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, JCPenney Auto Center, and the IRS. Yet it was his personal projects that truly brought him joy. A talented DIYer, he embraced renovation challenges that came with purchasing his first home—a historic 1906 two-story house in northeast Kansas City—where he became skilled in demolition, plumbing, plastering, tiling, and wiring. This was just the beginning of his journey into entrepreneurship, as he started a "you pick" blueberry patch on 10 acres of land he owned, which he named Windyhill Blueberries. From nurturing the plants to setting up an irrigation system and planting over 3,000 bushes, Don's initiative led to an enjoyable and successful venture that brought delicious blueberries to many customers over 12 fruitful years.

After the blueberry patch faced challenges, including droughts, Don transferred his DIY efforts to a new house he built entirely by himself on that same 10-acre land. Though the interior was never quite finished, his handiwork echoed his commitment to creativity and improvement, as he undertook numerous renovations at his Blue Springs home, enhancing it with hardwood floors, new windows, and meticulously crafted decks.

Outside of his extensive projects, Don cherished reading both books and online material, developing a keen interest in technology and building several computers. His ability to see projects through from conception to realization exemplified not just his skills, but also his unmatched determination and spirit of innovation.

As friends and family gather to honor Don’s memory, visitation will be held at Valor-Brown Funeral Service in Grain Valley, Missouri, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on February 12, 2026. A graveside service will follow at Heath Creek Cemetery in Nelson, Missouri, starting at 11:00 AM on February 13, 2026.

Donald Jack Duffy leaves behind a legacy of hard work, creativity, and unwavering love for his family, particularly his beloved wife Connie. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments and skills but for the joy he brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace.