Donald M Walsh, DVM, "Don", aged 80, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 2026. Don had a deep love for family, friends and all of God's creatures, both great and small. The impact of his life on his family and friends is immense.

Don was born in St. Louis, MO, and knew as a young boy he would become a veterinarian. Don was a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, and lovingly cared for small animals and horses for 56 years. He founded Homestead Veterinary Hospital in Pacific, Missouri. His keen interest was Equine Laminitis, a disease of the horse's foot. He started the Animal Health Foundation in 1985, a non-profit charity which raised funds for research into this disease. AHF was supported during its 35 years by many people who shared his love of horses and animals. He continued to study and learn until the last weekend of his life when he attended the Missouri State Veterinary Convention.

Don was an active and long-time member of Bethel Wildwood Church. He had many other interests in his life including camping and kayaking at the Current River as well as target shooting with his fellow Eagle Eyes. He was a life-long horseman, showing American Saddlebreds early in his riding career, and participated in many other equestrian activities and sports, including fox hunting, trail-riding, and cutting. And he simply cared for many people and was involved in organizations that help others. Don dedicated his life to God, family, friends, animals and, above all, to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.

Don was the beloved husband of Diana (nee Stone) Walsh for 58 years; dear father of Bonnie (Matt) Swanstrom, and Matt (Lacey) Walsh; proud grandfather, aka "P-pa", of Grant and Samantha Swanstrom, and Annie and Charlie Walsh; brother of Roger (Jane) Walsh; brother-in-law of Sylvia (late George) Graham, and the late Mike Stone; uncle of Mark (Ashley) Walsh, Kevin (Cindy) Walsh, Erin (Brian) Scalia, Karen (Robert) Maxey, David Graham, Donna (Jim) Crow, Eddie Stone, Michael (Gwen) Stone, and the late Maria Stone; great-uncle of nieces and nephews; and great friend to many others.

Services: Funeral service at Bethel Wildwood Church, 17500 Manchester Road, Wildwood, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at Bethel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethel Wildwood Church . Visitation at the FAMILY CENTER of SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Friday, February 27, 2026, from 2-6 p.m. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.