Gerald Meredith Donna

Gerald Meredith Donna, age 78, passed away peacefully on December 11th, 2016 surrounded by his loving family and treasured book collection. He fought a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Services will be held Thursday, December 15th, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes. Visitation 12:00-1:00 p.m., Service 1:00 p.m., Burial following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals, (stjude.org) or Kansas City Hospice House (kchospice.org).

Gerry was born May 18th, 1938 in Springfield, IL to Lawrence and Dorothy Donna. He graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, MO where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He then served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant and went on to earn his MBA from UMKC. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Janice; they raised two beautiful daughters and shared more than 50 years of wedded bliss. Gerry was Branch Manager/Financial Advisor with Stifel Nicolaus until his retirement in 2011. He was an avid book collector, cigar aficionado, and martini connoisseur. He loved music and played in a band in his younger days. He was an exceptional piano player and spent much time on his Steinway piano. He loved to play tennis and thoroughly enjoyed his four grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Dorothy Donna, mother-in-law Lydia George, and sister-in-law MaryLou George. Gerry is survived by his wife Janice, daughters Marlo (John) Oswald, Mindy (Jason) Wetmore, sister Bobbette (Gerry) Helmich, four grandchildren Meredith and George Oswald and Hudson and David Wetmore, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank his wonderful caregivers, Bison, Augustine, and Judy, as well as Julie and the Kansas City Hospice House for their compassion and support.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.