Gaultney, Donnie Lee's Obituary
Donnie Lee Gaultney, 61, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away August 7, 2024, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Donnie was born in Clinton, Illinois, on November 22, 1962, the son of Donald and Carol (Stults) Gaultney. Donnie served honorably in the US Army after high school. He married Brenda Hirsch on August 25, 1990, in Argenta, Illinois, and she preceded him in death in 2013.
Donnie worked in demolition, where he operated heavy machinery. He had a knack for tinkering and had a MacGyver-like ability to make anything work. He was a teacher who never missed an opportunity to be there for others. He generously helped anyone in a time of need, even just to keep them in good company. He liked camping, and his skills as a campfire cook were outstanding. He loved animals, even though he tried to make everyone believe that he didn’t. He was a great fan of all kinds of music, and he enjoyed sharing his unique dancing and singing skills every chance he could. He was a jokester whose ornery sense of humor, along with his big heart, will be greatly missed.
Donnie is survived by his daughters Brandy (Anthony) Lindsey, Jessica (Matt) Tomlovich, and Megan Cornell; siblings Michael Gaultney, Michelle (Cecil) Hardwick, Bob (Becky) O’Laughlin, and Rick (Ronnie) O’Laughlin; and grandchildren Rylee, Austyn, Ezekiah, Joseph, Violet, Ivy, and Olive. He was preceded in death by his parents Don and Carol Gaultney, wife Brenda Gaultney, brother Terry Gaultney, and sister Debbie O’Laughlin-Brozio.
Services for Donnie will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm and will be followed by a service at 7pm. Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Donnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donnie?
Share a story where Donnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donnie you’ll never forget.
How did Donnie make you smile?