Donald Dawson Gilmore "Don" of Memphis, TN left the bonds of this world on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Born on November 3, 1942, He now joins his wife, Elizabeth Ann Gilmore (Ann) who passed in early 2015. He is survived by his son, Donald Gus Gilmore "Skeeter", grandson Donald Gus Gilmore "Gus", and great granddaughter Penelope Elizabeth Ann Gilmore "Penelope" all of Danville, IL. Despite having only one son, Don's extended family included Daniel Norwood, Caroline Norwood, David Norwood, and Josh Cartes who were in many ways treated very much as if they were his own children.

Enlisting in the army in 1960, Don was in the 82nd Airborne during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After leaving the regular army, he joined the national guard, first in Tennessee and then in the later part of the seventies, transferring to the 20th Special Forces Group based out of Decatur, Alabama. He remained with this unit until he retired from service in 1992 with a rank of E-7 and a jump record of over 500 parachute jumps during his service.

In addition to his military commitment, Don also worked a full career at the Velsicol Chemical plant in Memphis, TN from 1968 until his retirement in 2005. He was a dedicated fan of Alabama's "Crimson Tide" football team. His other notable hobby activity was as a "HAM" radio operator of which he held multiple operator licenses over his life. If not enjoying one of these activities, he would often be found helping friend or family members with various repair or other projects. His loss of mobility later in life greatly impacted his ability to get out and do things, but he was always active as much as possible until the end.

Don's legacy will be in all the lives he affected and assistance that he provided others in need. He positively changed and affected the lives of many that he helped. All told, he lived a full and meaningful life. He left the world a better place thanks to his actions. He will be missed.