Donald Gene Vieth, known to all as Don, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on September 19, 2025, at Mercy South in St. Louis County. He was 82 years old.
Born on May 19, 1943, in the Vinson Community of Dexter, Missouri, Don was the son of the late Lawrence G. and Vernice A. Vieth. He grew up in Dexter and graduated from Dexter High School in the Class of 1961. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Southeast Missouri State University.
Don’s passion and calling was to choral music education where he pursued a career that lasted for three decades. That calling was interrupted in the late 1960’s by Uncle Sam and the Vietnam war where he was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. After Vietnam he was happy to restart his career at Lafayette High School in St Louis County for 5 years and then at Farmington High School for 22 years until his retirement in 1998. Under his leadership, the A Capella choir annually achieved the highest “1 – Excellent” rating for the duration of his tenure, a testament to his passion for music, teaching, mentoring and inspiring students.
A man of deep faith, Don was an active member of the church wherever he lived. Most notably, he served for many years at First Baptist Church in Farmington, Missouri, where he was a deacon, sang faithfully in the choir, and annually portrayed Jesus in the Easter production — a role he cherished. Most recently he was a proud member of the choir at Central Presbyterian Church in Clayton, MO.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Nina Gail Vieth; his parents, Lawrence and Vernice Vieth; his brothers Barry Allan, Richard Gordon, and Troy Nelson Vieth; and his grandson, Ryan Simmons. He is survived by his children, Scott Bryan Vieth and partner Tom Sothers, and Melanie Lynn (Vieth) Braun and husband Marc D. Braun; as well as his grandsons, Nicolaus Marc Braun, Noah Scott Braun, and Gabriel Joseph Braun. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law Diane Vieth (spouse of the late Richard Vieth) and her children Teresa Corelli, Ben Vieth, Rachel Dunham, and Andy Vieth, along with their families; his brother-in-law Ed Graham and wife Alpha Graham; and their daughter Anna Leah Graham and her family, and Neal Graham.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, St. Louis, Missouri. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 7700 Davis Drive, Clayton, Missouri 63105 with a lunch following. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in DeSoto, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in support of missionaries Jared and Kelsey Bullock, serving in Honduras.
· Online Giving: www.encouragingleaders.com/supportthebullocks
· Checks: Make payable to The Antioch Partners, memo: Bullock support
Mail to: The Antioch Partners, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024
Don’s life was a testimony of faith, service, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Don was a beautiful human being and it was my joy to be able to sing and travel with him. We sang together in England and traveled to the Holy Land. He was always a joy to be around and had a great smile. He is now with the one who loved him the most, his Savior, Jesus. May God give the family His peace and comfort. Blessings, RM
Uncle Don was so special. When my dad died (Richard Vieth) Uncle Don stepped up. Not to fill his shoes, but to be a comfort for our family, and to love us through our grief. He was still grieving himself from the loss of Aunt Nina, and then his brother. He was selfless and compassionate. In so doing, he became like a second dad to me, and like a grandfather to my daughter, who would never know her real grandfather. It’s bitter sweet because he’s been ready to go for years, and I know he is happy to be singing in a heavenly choir. But our hearts will greave the absence of his presence . I love you so, Uncle Don.