Donald (Don) M. Claycomb, Ph.D., 84, of Linn, passed away Aug. 11, 2026.
He was born on Jan. 1, 1942, to the late Archie and Dorothy Claycomb in Cainsville.
He and his younger brother, Charles Edward (Eddie), grew up near Princeton, where his early years were shaped by family, farming and education.
Don 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. Don 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.
He 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 he 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 was later united in marriage to Linda Johnston Blake in 1989 and fully welcomed her sons, Scott and Sean Blake, into his life. Don and Linda then welcomed their youngest child, Steven Claycomb.
He and Linda shared a love of the outdoors and enjoyed camping and traveling. They also enjoyed their small hobby farm in Linn.
Don was preceded in death by wife, Linda; and parents, Archie and Dorothy.
He is survived by daughters, Dana Hill and Donna Sokol and husband Craig; sons, Steven Claycomb and wife Alexandra, Scott Blake and wife Jennifer and and Sean Blake and wife Jodi; grandchildren, Kayla Stover, Scout and Arden Claycomb and Ethan, Abigail, Emily and Keira Blake; brother, Charles Edward and wife, Sharon; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28, 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., Saturday, Aug. 29, 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.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Claycomb Nursing Scholarship at State Technical College of Missouri or to St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
