Donald Melvin Giger

Preceding Donald in passing are both his parents, Melvin and Verlee Giger, beloved wife Carolyn Giger, and brother Norman Giger.

Those surviving to cherish his memory are his children: Chuck Giger, Shane Giger, Chris Giger, Ryan Giger, and Asher Prince, Brother: Ronnie Giger, Nephew: Mike Giger, Cousins: Dorothy Dean and Jamie, as well as his family at The Sandwich Shop, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Laborers Local 44, and many other dear friends and loved ones.

On November 27, 1971, Donald married the love of his life, Carolyn Rager, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church of Collinsville. Their marriage was a defining joy of his life and a testament to his loyalty and steadfast heart.

Donald took pride in the work of his hands and the life he built through dedication and perseverance. He helped build the 255 Bridge and The Beltline in Collinsville, leaving a lasting mark on the community through the strength and reliability of his labor. In later years he became an active member of the Laborers Local 44 group, where he made many friendships and lasting memories with other members, often sharing stories of their working days.

Donald loved music—especially 80s rock—and enjoyed playing instruments such as the guitar, harmonica, and keyboard. He was a member of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Choir, and, if you asked him, he had a great singing voice. His faith was central to who he was; God and his religion were always number one to him, and he spent his life striving to live in a godly way, caring for and helping others any time he could.

Donald lived by a simple truth that he shared through both words and example: never judge a book by its cover—everyone is going through something you may not know of, so you should always be kind. That message, carried by his faithful and generous spirit, remains part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Known for bringing energy and laughter wherever he went, Donald enjoyed going to DJ gigs and even crashed the adult prom—livening up the event, getting everyone involved, and drawing people onto the dance floor to dance the night away. He was also very active in the Lions Club, giving his time and energy in quiet, consistent ways that reflected his character.

Donald loved his Sandwich Shop Family, enjoying his special table where he could greet everyone as they came and went, he truly was a staple of the restaurant, and loved being involved, as he looked forward each year to the Italian Festival and the Horseradish Festival in Collinsville. His presence and involvement in the community will be greatly missed.

Donald will be remembered as a faithful, generous, hard-working, humorous, kind-hearted, and selfless man whose life was rooted in service to others and steady devotion to what mattered most to him. In keeping with his unmistakable personality, Donald’s final message—equal parts memorable and full of life—are: “Don't you forget about me, Boo-Yah!”