Donald Hollingsworth, 98, of Maryville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at St. Lukes North Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

Don was born on April 28, 1928, in Stewartsville, Missouri to R.B. and Ada Ruth (Strautman) Hollingsworth. He was a graduate of Benton High School and received his Bachelor's Degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of Missouri.

For 35 years, Don spent most of his career working for the University of Missouri. He founded Hollingsworth Peonies and continued in the peony business up until his death. Through years of dedication, knowledge, and hard work, he became a respected figure in the peony world, sharing his love of these beautiful flowers with gardeners and enthusiasts throughout the country. His contributions to horticulture earned him numerous accolades. Don has achieved multiple honors over the years from the American Peony Society, including the AP Saunders Memorial Medal and the Bertrand H. Farr Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as a Dean's certificate from the University of Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources for his outstanding extension career. He also received honors from the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph. The museum recognized his Lifetime Achievement Award for his support and donations of plants for the beatification of AKMA's gardens and grounds. Many of his hybridizations can be viewed at area public gardens including Powell Gardens, Ewing and Muriel Kaufman Memorial Gardens and Linda Hall Library Arboretum.

He married, Bernice E. Carr Loos on June 2, 1957, in Maryville, Missouri. She preceded him in death. He later married Lavon R. Wohlgemuth Tretheway on July 30, 1993, in Atchison, Kansas. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his parents, two stepsons, Robert Tretheway and Dana Tretheway; two sisters and one brother.

He is survived by his children, LaDonna (Vince) Benne, Sandra Loos and Larry W. (Eileen) Loos; stepson, Kent (Terri) Tretheway; stepdaughter-in-law, Glenny DeWindt, and 39 grandkids that called him Grandpa Don.

Don's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the communities he served, and the beautiful peonies that continue to flourish because of his passion. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May his memory be a blessing and may the flowers he loved continue to bloom as a lasting tribute to a life well lived.

A Celebration of Don's Life will be held on Tuesday, June 9th  at 11am at Rose Hill Acres, 105 South Main Street, Maryville, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorials to the American Peony Society or Northwest Missouri State University of Agricultural Sciences.

Arrangements Price Funeral Home