Mr. Donald Lee Gilmore

Donald e Gifmore was born into the union of Lonnie and Sarah Gilmore on August 23, 1946. He was the third and youngest son. He was a twin baby, whose twin was a sister. They were named Donald Lee and Donis Jean Gilmore. Donald was a quiet thoughtful child. His special pal as a little boy was his grandfather. He loved to go fishing with him. Sometimes Donald skipped school to follow his grandfather to the Homachitta River to fish. Donald began grade school in Crosby, Mississippi, at Stephenson grade school. After the death of his grandfather, Donald's father and mother migrated to Milwaukee seeking a better life for their children. Donald attended Lloyd Street Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, and North Division High School. His main interest was Technology. He was very good with his hands and could put together any gadget, machine or construction. He was employed by Longview Fibre Company for forty years He was their expert "tool and Die Setter". He retired in 2006. Donald met the love of his life, Arline Anderson. They were married for twenty eight years. Arline was a devoted wife. Her family embraced Donald as one of their own. He was welcomed into the family by Arline's parents, her sisters and brothers. His nieces and nephews adored him, they thought "uncle Donald" was the greatest uncle in the world. Donald shared the joys and sorrows of two families; his own, the Gilmores, and Arline's family, the Andersons. Donald joined New Light Baptist Church after his marriage to Arline. At this church Donald was active in the men's group called "The Brotherhood': a group of active men who served various needs of the church. Donald sang in the Men's choir. When Donald celebrated his seventieth birthday he thanked God for the life he lived. He said often that "I have had a good life". He was a kind and generous man with the church, family and needy organizations. He and Arline contributed yearly to a scholarship fund for a deceased niece. Kind and generous best describes Donald. His favorite hobbies were cooking "Cajun food" and gardening; he would have the most beautiful gardens of flowers and vegetables. He also enjoyed bowling and shooting pool. Donald did most things very well. He has helped various family members with putting together tools, furniture, outdoor furniture, to name some of the help he gave to less skilled people. Donald fought valiantly against two bouts of cancer. Donald departed this life on January 16, 2017, surrounded by his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Arline Gilmore, siblings - Donis J Wodajo (twin sis- ter) (Eshetu), and an older sister Mildred Powell (Lonnie}, two brothers- Brawley Gilmore (Fran- ces), and Wilson Gilmore (Bettye). He is also survived by five sister-in laws: Christine, Augustine, Marilynn, Charlie, and Sharon, and three brother-in-laws, Thomas, Carl, and Paul. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Donald Lee Gilmore

August 23, 1946 - January 16, 2017