Donald Earl Gede

Donald Earl Gede of McKenney, Virginia, formerly of Bowie, Maryland died on August 30, 2020, just after his 92nd birthday. Don was born in Deerfield, Illinois to Rudolph and Bessie Gede and was the third of six children. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Joy Tanis Gede; a daughter, Joanne Gede; a son, Stephen Gede; a step-son, Blakley Hubbard; and three brothers, Robert, Jack, and Bill. He is survived by his wife, Lola K. Gede; a son, Christopher D. Gede (Ellen) of Bowie Maryland; a daughter, Donna Garrett (Steve) of Richmond, Virginia; one grandson Christopher F. Gede; brother, James Gede (Mary); sister, Betty Willis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Lola’s family, to include a step-son, Anthony Hubbard (Mary); step-daughter-in-law, Marie Baugh (Kim); step-grandchildren, Matthew Hubbard (Tess), Jennifer Clary, Erin Hubbard, Christin Litchfield (Trey), and Ryan Hubbard; step-great-grandchildren, Blakely Clary, Nathan Hubbard, Caleb Litchfield, and Tristin Litchfield who Don affectionately called “Gorgeous.” Don served in both the Navy and Air Force for 29 years, and was a World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran, retiring with rank of Master Sergeant. He worked and retired from the C&P Telephone Company in Washington, DC. Don also served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and enjoyed boating, once owning a boat named Don's Joy. Don lived in Bowie Maryland from 1971-1988, and retired to Florida, and then to Richmond and McKenney, Virginia, in his later years. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. A service with military funeral honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2020 at Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Condolences may be expressed at www.williamsfuneralhomeva.com.