Diane DeShong

Diane Branham DeShong, born on September 27, 1940, in Neosho, Missouri, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, generosity, and deep love for her family and friends. 

Born and raised in Neosho, Diane graduated with honors from Neosho High School in 1953, home of the Wildcats. During her school years, she formed lifelong friendships with Roleen Brumley, Judy Hayes, Janet Burch-Meoli, and Gail Peters-Baxter, as with many others. She was an active and spirited student, serving as a student council officer and participating in the Wildcat Kad-etts marching group, proudly dressed in black corduroy skirts and white tops. Later in life while living in Germantown, TN, she befriended Betty Green, whose family came to love and accept Diane and her son, Evan, as their very own. This relationship had a tremendous impact on Diane and Evan and are forever grateful to the Green Family of Germantown, TN. 

Diane went on to attend Pittsburg State University, where she earned her teaching degree. Over the years, she built a diverse and accomplished career marked by dedication and excellence. Her professional life included roles as a physical education teacher, retail management with Wolf Brothers in Kansas City, Missouri, boutique retailers in Memphis, Tennessee, and Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. She also worked in property management with Don Knobler & Co. in Dallas, Texas, and the Wooten Company in Springfield, Missouri. 

In 2006, Diane moved to Springfield, Missouri, to enjoy time with and care for her mother, Mary Ella Steadman Hood. She also cherished being surrounded by her loving family: her son, Evan Michael DeShong, and daughter-in-law, Angela DeShong, of Rogersville, Missouri; her grandchildren, Ashley Farage and Dillon DeShong, and their spouses, Danny Farage and Rosie DeShong; and her four great-grandsons, Landen McIntosh, Elijah Higgins, Camden DeShong, and Oliver Higgins. 

Diane loved the Lord, and the fruit of her life reflected that faith in countless ways. She loved serving at James River Church and had a special gift for loving and accepting people from all walks of life. She lived to speak words of encouragement, practiced generosity as a way of life, and showed remarkable mental strength through hardship. Diane was deeply committed to providing for her family and was known as a thoughtful gift giver who consistently put others before herself. 

Diane will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, her resilience, and the lasting impact she made on all who knew and loved her. 

She has been made whole in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.