Donald G. Gill, just shy of 90, walked that last mile into Paradise lovingly surrounded by his nine children, almost all of his grandchildren and many of his great-grandchildren on June 21, 2019. He is survived by his nine children, 33 Grandchildren and almost 21 Great-Grandchildren…ALL of them GREAT! Don, the third in a family of 5 children, was born to Henry and Marie Gill on June 25, 1929. His siblings: Henry Gill (Tennessee); Beverly Pence, deceased; Bill Gill (Topeka); and Lois Bervert (deceased).
Don grew up in Topeka, Kansas. He began work in Kansas City before being drafted into the Korean War where he served as an Army field medic. On furlough during the Korean War, Don married Peggy Hale. After his service, Peggy and Don started their family and that has blossomed, bloomed, EXPLODED and continues to grow into the legacy of their love of life. Don and Peggy raised their family in Kansas City living in their iconic white house that housed their nine kids and countless grandchildren on family visits.
Together, Don and Peggy built a lake house in the Lake of the Ozarks that served as the summer basecamp for their ever expanding family up until his last few years. It was here where his grandchildren learned the value of rising early by being awarded the treat of powdered donuts with Grandpa. His grandchildren also learned how to sleep army style in close quarters with cousins sprawled all over each other!
After serving over 46 years with the Department of Agriculture, Don retired to the Lake of the Ozarks and became a “winterbird” in Alamo, Texas with his wife Peggy during the winter months. Don was married to Peggy for over 60 years before his beloved wife succumbed to an aneurysm after two long hard fought battles against cancer in 2012.
Don later met and married Esther Scott in Alamo, Texas. The two lived among friends in Alamo and family in Kansas City while traveling, to include their highlight—an Alaskan cruise. Esther became a loving caretaker to Don up until the end as Don struggled with his health and was endeared by Don’s family.
Don was admired and loved both as a father and grandfather. His character, honor, work ethic served as an example for his family to emulate and strive for. Don was a fighter and tough old dog whose absence is already greatly missed by his family.
A Rosary will be prayed at 12:30pm on Tuesday, June 25th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Dr, Shawnee Mission, KS 66203. Visitation will follow. Mass will begin promptly at 2pm. Burial will be at Resurrection cemetery in Lenexa. Following the Burial the family of Don Gill invites you to celebrate his life at the Dull’s Home at 12836 Sagamore, Leawood, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Community Hospice, 9740 W 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212, Little Sisters of the Poor, 8745 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138 or Sister Servants of Mary, 800 N 18th St. Kansas City, KS 66102. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
What a wonderful tribute to Don. We were Don’s neighbors in Tx. We loved Don. He was such a special man. Our love and prayers to the family. Ed and Barb Sievers
My wife and I have known Don since 1999. in fact, we played golf at Alamo Country Club during the winter months each and every year until his failing health prevented him from doing so. I considered him a very close friend. I admired and respected him as a friend, as a father, grandfather, and a great grandfather’. We will surely miss him but, his legacy will live on. It was a joy to have known him.
Don was a hero and loved by all. Loved his smile and last June he was helping me learn the Cha Cha when I visited he and my mom in Alamo, TX. Best to his loving family.
We were so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We had many good times with Peggy and Don. Good memories! May he Rest In Peace. Our condolences to ALL of the family. I am sorry we won’t be there to help celebrate his life. You are in our prayers ! Rudy and Rosemary Pappert
My deepest sympathy to the Gill family. May God bring you peace during this most difficult time.
God bless the Gill family at this terribly sad time. You were so blessed to have your father for as long as you did. Cherish the memories.
God bless the entire family. I worked with Julia, who has such positive memories of family life and Don was mentioned by her as being a Great Dad. What a legacy of Love Don leaves. Our prayers are with you all
So many years ago I had the great pleasure of enjoying the Gill household. Peggy was an after school caregiver for me when I attended St. Pius X grade school. The whole family was wonderful. Sending my condolences to the whole family.
We are so sorry to learn of Don’s death. We treasure all the times he would walk over to our home at the lake for coffee and we would discuss everything under the sun. The Gill family was blessed with two caring and proud parents.