Donald Gammon

Donald H. Gammon, 73, of Cape Girardeau died unexpectedly Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital from a heart attack.

He was born Sept. 18, 1935, in Cape Girardeau, son of Charles and Lela Davis Gammon. He and Velma Johnson were married July 20, 1968.

Don graduated from Central High School in Cape Girardeau in 1953. He served with pride in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne, based in Fort Campbell, Ky., from 1957 to 1959.

Don spent his adult life working in construction, first with R.B. Construction Co., and in 1965 as a painting contractor, began Gammon Painting Co., retiring approximately five years ago.

He was a former licensed real estate agent, successful in residential sales. He was also a published author of the book "History of Heisey Orchid-Etched Crystal" that details the history and illustration of all known pieces of the antique glass. Don had a number of other hobbies and he never met a stranger.

Don was confirmed and baptized at Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel in Cape Girardeau in 1971 and was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

He valued the education his daughter received while attending Trinity Lutheran School in Cape Girardeau and was a strong advocate that children not only learn the basics of education but also the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Velma; a daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and John Cantrell of Cape Girardeau; two grandchildren, Becca and Jacob Cantrell; two sisters, Betty (Jay) Hardy of Jackson and Lela Francis of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bobbie Gammon.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Cape County Memorial Park with full military honors. The Rev. Douglas Breite will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trinity Lutheran School of Cape Girardeau or Saxony Lutheran High School.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.