Donald Cleveland Bryars, age 71, a resident of Bertrand, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He was born April 16, 1951, in Wyatt, Missouri, to the late Paul Lee Bryars and Esther May Fisher-Bryars, and was a veteran of the United States Navy.  He was employed as a driver for MRM Ag Services, retiring in 2018.

Donald's many hobbies included going to auctions, buying and selling, and working on and repairing lawn mowers.  He loved helping people, and spending time with his friends and family.  His grandkids were the light of his life.  Friends who knew Donald long ago called him "Zippo", and today he's known as "Elroy" or "Goober".

Survivors include his spouse of 23 years, Gail Groves of the home; one daughter, Brittany Bryars of Springfield, Missouri; one stepson, Jeremy (Leann) Crook of Sikeston, Missouri; two brothers, Walter "Puffer" Bryars of East Prairie, Missouri and Harold Bryars of Charleston, Missouri; two sisters, Pauline Hale and Connie Powers, both of East Prairie; two grandchildren, Paul Bryars of East Prairie and Marlie Crook of Sikeston; along with several nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m. until time of funeral service at 3 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, with Bro. Jamie Powers officiating.

Interment will be private.