Obituaries

Donny Lee Gadd, 84, most recently of Crescent Springs, KY, passed into eternal life on October 17, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Hospice. He was surrounded by the love and light of family as he passed over.

Born on February 18, 1941, in Dispatania, KY, he was the son of the late Clarence Gadd and Rose McGuire Gadd. Donny was a proud graduate of Walton Verona High School. He also served in the United States Army.

Donny was the dear companion and boyfriend of over 30 years to Cindy Masarik; beloved dad to Angie (Shane) Perkins and Lori (Dave) Shields. He was a treasured brother to Dale (Stella) Gadd, Amos Gadd, and Karen Napier as well as an adored grandpa to Adam Steele, Samantha (Nate) Bach, Ryan Steele and Ashley Shields.

Donny was greeted in the hereafter by his parents; brothers Lonzo Gadd and Harold Dean Gadd and sisters Trudy Grimme and Norma Willis. Waiting at the gates for Donny to take him on his knee was also Donny’s great-grandchild Charley Bach.

A quiet but personable and friendly man of simple tastes, Donny loved his family, especially his 4 grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing and road trips with Cindy as well as get-togethers with family. Donny relished basketball, particularly high school basketball. He would attend all the local games he could and would also frequently travel to the State Championship. Donny could often be found at his favorite bookstore or the local library with a cup of green tea and a good book. He enjoyed reading as well as watching movies and TV. Donny took great pleasure in discussing these with his daughters-- recent reads with Angie and recent movies and films with Lori. He survived a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2003 and open-heart surgery in 2010. Donny was active throughout his life, walking daily until very recently, and following a healthy diet. He tried to be a model for healthy living; always encouraging others to do the same. He is deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another’s company, and honor Donny on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM until shortly before the funeral service at 6:00 PM, at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY, 41051. The following day, Saturday, October 25, 2025, Donny will be laid to rest at Independence Cemetery, Independence, KY at 12:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to meet at the cemetery at 11:50 AM.