David Paul Donley

David Paul Donley, 74, of Holts Summit passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 surrounded by his family.  David donated his body to the University of Missouri Medical School.

He was born April 9, 1949 in California, MO to Sarah (Birdsong) Donley of California and the late James Donley.  David grew up in California graduating from high school in 1968.  After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps.  He served his tour of duty in Vietnam with the Medivac Unit.  While there, he learned aircraft and engine mechanics.  Part of his duty included being stationed on an aircraft carrier while servicing and maintaining helicopters.  He was honorably discharged in 1972 having achieved the rank of Sergeant.  David then became a member of the Missouri National Guard where he was a helicopter technician until his retirement in 2004. 

On April 3, 1976, David married Jane Hentges at St. Martin Catholic Church.  Together they raised their three children, Becky, Jeff and Jennifer.  Never one to sit still, if David wasn’t outside mowing the yard or tending his tomato plants or fixing anything that needed fixing you might have found  “PopPop”  playing with his grandchildren or riding his Harley, cheering on the Chiefs or just relaxing watching old Westerns.

Besides his mother, Sarah, David is survived by his wife, Jane, three children, Becky (Don) Brinkley, Jeff Donley, Jennifer (Jason) McDonald all of Holts Summit,  five grandchildren, Lyla, Eric, Gage, Kyle and Maci, one sister, Janet (Joe) Warren of Jackson, TN and one brother, Mark Donley of Holts Summit.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate David’s life on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Greenway Park Civic Center, 282 Greenway Dr., Holts Summit.   Memorials may be directed to the VFW, 105 Irwin Dr., Jefferson City, 65109.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for the care, kindness and support given to David and our family.

“Begin and end each day with a grateful heart”                                                                                                                        David Donley

“May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done.  Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.”                                                                                                                                                                                 Cardinal John Henry Newman

Trimble Funeral Homes- Jefferson City is assisting the family with arrangements.  trimblefunerals.com.