Donald Gene Humes

Donnie Humes With loved ones beside him, Donald G. �Donnie� Humes, 76, of Cape Girardeau, passed away Thursday evening, September 18, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital, following a brief hospitalization. Donnie was born July 7, 1938, in Cape Girardeau, to Capel Bud Humes and Helen Louise Gohn-Humes. Donnie�s surviving relatives include his loving sister Charlotte Brandon of Magnolia, TX, whom, for the past five years, Donnie would call every Sunday morning at 8:30, so that they could chat, catch up on the weeks� news, and just check-in with each other. �Uncle Don� as he was fondly referred to, was also survived by Charlotte�s children that he loved as his own and spoke of often - Julia (Kenneth) Gilbertsen, O�Fallon, MO; Janet Dodez (Scott), Magnolia, TX; Bryan (Carolyn) Brandon, St. Ann, MO. Also great-nieces and nephews, Krislyn Gilbertsen, Adrienne and Natalie Dodez, Jessica Brandon, Matthew Breier, Megan and Amanda Brandon, as well as Great-Great Niece Jacey Lee. Donnie would often share stories with his work friends (many of which were like family) of time spent with his sister and her family each year when he would travel to the St. Louis area for Thanksgiving, and also the good times he would have when he�d go to Texas each year for Christmas for 1-2 weeks. Upon the sudden death of Donnie�s dad in 1966, Donnie quickly and without hesitation took the role of looking after and caring for his mom, which he did in a manner that would make any parent proud. Caring for his mother until she passed away in 1992. Donnie was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Paul Brandon. Following graduation from Cape Central High School, Donnie began his working career, first with Roy Craft Filling Station on Sprigg St, followed by periods with both Harris Motor Co., and Jim Wilson Co., before going to work for Nip Kelley in the mid 70�s, which is where he was still employed at the time of his death. Throughout those years Donnie logged many miles as an over-the-road driver, and probably hauled about every piece of heavy equipment known to man, and no job was ever too big or too small. Donnie decided to retire to Magnolia, TX in 2000 and spend time with Charlotte, Paul and their family, and that lasted all of 9 months, as Donnie discovered maybe he wasn�t as ready as he thought he was for the easy life, so he returned to Cape and back to his job at Nip Kelley Equipment. Again, Donnie attempted retirement in 2012 heading once again to Texas, but this time he only made it three months before returning to his home town of Cape and the friends and job that he loved. Donnie loved his family, and was a great friend to more than he probably even realized. He never met a stranger and will be remembered as a friendly guy, always ready with a smile and a quick hello. One of the true good guys. Visitation will be Sunday, September 21 starting at 12noon and running until the time of the service at 2pm at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel, with Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bryan Brandon, Janet and Scott Dodez, Colby Reeves, Vince Kelley, and Terrence Kelley.

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Donald Gene Humes

September 18, 2014