1965 – 2011
Husband of 47 years, Brother, Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend. Donnie was loved by all who knew him. Some of our fondest memories of him were fishing adventures, trips to Mannings Farm, family gatherings, puddle jumping, football, Christmas Eve traditions at his house and we can’t forget his favorite blue flannel shirt. All these things bring a smile to our faces and tears to our eyes. We could all see his smile and hear his voice thinking of our personal memories pertaining to each event.
Fishing adventures make us think of lost shoes, snakes, snapping turtles and frickles. Mannings bring memories of us sticking our heads out the window and mooning at the cows and then feeding them our ice cream when we got there. Cookouts remind us of stories he would tell of his time in the Navy or childhood memories he had, and of course listening to him sing along with the oldies (At times making up his own words). Puddle jumping was something he did with all of us, at some point his great grandchildren will still say “let’s go jump in the puddles, papa made them for us.” Christmas Eve was a time of family fun, love and tons of laughs. Dancing with Papa to Dominic the Donkey was a must and we can’t forget the Crisco! As an avid Dolphins fan, summer Sunday cookouts became football Sunday, but we still got together and rivaled with him when our teams played each other.
Thinking back on all the time we had together, we think it wasn’t long enough. It’s never long enough when we lose someone we love. We love and miss you dearly, but we will have eternity together when you meet us at the rainbows end to walk us through Heavens gates.