Donald Carlyle Hesse

Donald "Donnie" Carlyle Hesse, 83, of Cape Girardeau, MO passed away on July 27, 2023 after battling cancer. He was the youngest of four born to the late Alice Hesse (nee Teague) and Albert Hesse August 30, 1939, in St. Louis. In 1957, he married Carol Marie Simon, they had 4 children. Donnie made a living as a stoneworker, bricklayer, and truck driver. He was transferred to southeast Missouri region in the early 1980s then retired from Roadway Transportation with numerous safety awards. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Carol Hesse, parents, sister Josephine Hesse, and brother Roger Hesse. He is survived by, children Donna (Rob) Sumner, Phillip (Chris) Hesse, Laurie Hesse, and Shannon (Corey) McNew. His grandchildren Alison Sumner, Katie Sumner, Susie Carter, Robby Sumner, P.J. Sumner, Jessica Carroll, Amanda Hesse, Beth Broyles, Connor McNew, Christian McNew, and Molly McNew, seventeen great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, his brother Albert James Hesse and sister-in-law Patricia Hesse, aunt Francis Bohnert, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his loving companion Ginny Wanner-Minor. Called Donnie, Frog, or Froggie by his friends and family, he was the consummate handyman; he could fix anything while making plans for his next home improvement project. His love of motorcycles and friends led him to start the motorcycle club, The Silver Eagles, in the 1970s. Other hobbies throughout his life included boating, pool leagues and tournaments, weekly card games, restoring a 1959 Ford T-bird, coin collecting, dancing, camping, playing softball, and hanging with his friends at the bar. The past several years, playing pickleball and volunteering for the Senior Center kept him busy. He loved traveling on his trike and had multiple adventurous trips with friends. He enjoyed visits to Panama City Beach with best friends Ginny, Glenn Dirnberger, Brenda Todt-Hicks, and others. He will be remembered as a terrific dad, grandpa, uncle, friend, and neighbor. A gentle demeanor with a silly wit, he will be missed. Special thanks and gratitude to his loving companion for the past 4 years and friend of 64 years, Ginny Wanner-Miner and friend Glenn Dirnberger for their outstanding care and compassion during his sickness. Visitation will be 2 to 3pm with a prayer service starting at 3pm Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 1001 N. Mt. Auburn Rd., Cape Girardeau. Celebration of Life immediately following at VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandlileyfuneralhome.com

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Donald Carlyle Hesse

August 30, 1939 - July 27, 2023