Donnie Dean Gaddis

Donnie Dean Gaddis’ humble beginning started in Mountain Grove, Missouri on October 23 1942, born to Erie and Winnie (Cantrell) Gaddis. His life continued until his journey ended on March 6, 2014 in Troy, Missouri.
Donnie graduated from Mountain Grove High School and continued his education in college by playing football, and earning his degree in Education. Always wanting to better himself for his family, he continued his studies earning a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration. He enjoyed his career as a high school and college football coach, vice principal and finally retiring as the high school principal in Troy, Missouri.
Donnie’s greatest enjoyment in life was his family. He was a simple man who did what was best for his family. He was a loving and caring husband who could not have done it without Dee. She was his high school sweetheart and they were married for forty seven years. His two daughters have followed in his footsteps and are successful in the educational system. The ‘old coach’ in Donnie always kept him busy in the lives of his four grandchildren. He instilled his competitive spirit on his grandkids by coaching softball and teaching them to play basketball, football, baseball, soccer and more.
Donnie enjoyed traveling, taking walks on the beach, hunting, yard work, coaching, reading, watching football, listening to music on his iPod, and going to concerts, etc.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: Dale; and by a sister-in-law: Ricki.
Donnie is survived by his wife: Dee; two daughters: Dawn and Jenny; four grandchildren: Ashley, Dominic, Riley, and Ryan; and his siblings: Fern, Faye, and Tommy; a sister-in-law: Ann; and other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him.

Memorial Contributions:
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Troy Food Pantry c/o the funeral home.