Gary Dean Donaldson, 78, of Pemberville, Ohio passed away August 27, 2024. He was born August 12, 1946 in Findlay, Ohio to the late Garold and Lois (Rosendale) Donaldson. He married Susan Coffman on August 6, 1977 and she survives in Pemberville at Otterbein Senior Living.
Gary was a 1964 graduate of Elmwood High School where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He went on to play football at Findlay College before he was drafted in 1967 into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from 1967 – 1968. Upon his return, he enrolled at Bowling Green State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education Administration. In his early career, he was a physical education teacher and Special Olympics basketball coach at Wood Lane School. He went on to have a 30-year career as the superintendent of HOPE School in Henry County.
He loved biking, hunting, fishing, being outdoors among nature, and training and caring for all his labrador retrievers. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching sports – and had a couple of unique distinctions as the most original card writer and best Christmas stocking suffer. Gary was an excellent cook and was always making food for his family and friends. He was best known for his amazing ribs. Gary was also known for faithfully reaching out and making routine phone calls to others and staying in touch, including his Veteran friends on all holidays and anyone he thought needed some additional support. While he took countless trips over the years, among the most special was his Honor Flight bus trip to Washington D.C., his annual hunting trip to South Dakota with his loyal hunting friends, and fishing trips to Canada. His greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family, friends, lifetime hunting buddies, and especially his grandchildren. He handed down his passions in life to his kids and grandchildren as he took them on special outdoor adventures and even taught them some of his favorite moves from his sports days. Gary was a friend to all and served others his entire life. His gestures and acts of kindness that he shared with all spoke volumes and touched countless lives. He previously served on the Wood Lane Residential Board and supported many local organizations representing veterans, wildlife, and those with special needs.
Along with his wife of 47 years, Sue, Gary is survived by his children Erin (Joe) Donaldson of St. Charles, Illinois and Justin (Carrie) Donaldson of Sylvania, Ohio, sister Suzanne (Les) Cook of Wayne, Ohio and grandchildren Luke, Tate, Christian and Reed.
Visitation will be held on Friday September 6, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. His memorial service will be held Saturday September 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Dunn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in his memory to Henry County Pheasants Forever, 16642 County Road R Napoleon, Ohio 43545 or Otterbein Pemberville Senior Living Community, 20311 Pemberville Rd. Pemberville, Ohio 43450.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
