David Paul Donley
April 9, 1949 ~ May 31, 2023
David Paul Donley, 74, of Holts Summit passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 surrounded by his family. David donated his body to the University of Missouri Medical School.
He was born April 9, 1949 in California, MO to Sarah (Birdsong) Donley of California and the late James Donley. David grew up in California graduating from high school in 1968. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served his tour of duty in Vietnam with the Medivac Unit. While there, he learned aircraft and engine mechanics. Part of his duty included being stationed on an aircraft carrier while servicing and maintaining helicopters. He was honorably discharged in 1972 having achieved the rank of Sergeant. David then became a member of the Missouri National Guard where he was a helicopter technician until his retirement in 2004.
On April 3, 1976, David married Jane Hentges at St. Martin Catholic Church. Together they raised their three children, Becky, Jeff and Jennifer. Never one to sit still, if David wasn’t outside mowing the yard or tending his tomato plants or fixing anything that needed fixing you might have found “PopPop” playing with his grandchildren or riding his Harley, cheering on the Chiefs or just relaxing watching old Westerns.
Besides his mother, Sarah, David is survived by his wife, Jane, three children, Becky (Don) Brinkley, Jeff Donley, Jennifer (Jason) McDonald all of Holts Summit, five grandchildren, Lyla, Eric, Gage, Kyle and Maci, one sister, Janet (Joe) Warren of Jackson, TN and one brother, Mark Donley of Holts Summit.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate David’s life on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Greenway Park Civic Center, 282 Greenway Dr., Holts Summit. Memorials may be directed to the VFW, 105 Irwin Dr., Jefferson City, 65109.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for the care, kindness and support given to David and our family.
“Begin and end each day with a grateful heart” David Donley
“May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.” Cardinal John Henry Newman
Trimble Funeral Homes- Jefferson City is assisting the family with arrangements. trimblefunerals.com.
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My deepest condolences to Jane and the Donley family. I am saddened to hear of David’s passing. I worked with David for many years at the flight facility. He was the most pleasant and easy going guy to work with. I feel very blessed to have known and worked with him!
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Boone CT department has purchased Tranquil White Lillies Basket for David Donley
Jane, so sorry to see of David’s passing…. May you find comfort in the days ahead.
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. My heart grieves for your loss and prayers go out from my family to yours.
Jane, so sorry for your loss. Linda (Brondel) Sommers
Jane, so sorry to hear about David! My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Dear Jane and Family,
It’s been a long time since we seen you guys and still this came as a shock. We are so sorry and send our Deepest Sympathy, thoughts and Love and May God Bless You All.
My sympathies to David’s wife, mom, sister and children as the class of 1968 has lost another classmate. May God comfort you and give you peace. RIP
Eternally grateful for your service to others and to our country. A true hero. ☮
Stay strong Jane.
Dear Jane and family, words are so very inadequate at times like this. But having worked with Dave for about 30 years at AASF, I can tell you that he was not only a friend, but a well-respected and valuable member of our work force. If you were around him for even a short time you knew how much he loved and treasured his family, even more than he loved the Marine Corp!
I know that his passing is devastating for you and the family. But I feel blessed to have known him, and to call him a friend. You have my heartfelt sympathy, and gratitude for sharing him with all of us.
My deepest condolences to Jane and the Donley family. I am saddened to hear of David’s passing. I will always have memories of working with him at the flight facility.
Jerel and Gayla Scott has purchased Fiddle Leaf Fig for David Donley