Obituary of Charles R. Donaldson

Charles R. "Chuck" Donaldson, affectionally known to his grandchildren as "Pah", died Saturday, January 12, 2019 at his home. He was 79. Chuck was born in Coffeyville, Kan. on August 20, 1939 to Frank L. and Lillie A. Donaldson (Waddle). He was raised in Coffeyville and attended Coffeyville schools, graduating from Field Kindley High School in 1957. On September 13, 1954 he married the love of his life Gaila L. Gooding. They were married until her death on November 16, 2016. They had three children. Chuck was the proprietor of Donaldson Exchange "The Feed Store" until the business closed in 1983. He then worked in the insurance business, trucking and heavy equipment until his retirement in 2005. He was an avid motorcyclist his entire life. Racing in events in different disciplines around the country, including flat track, hillclimb, road race, motocross and enduro. Along with multiple first place finishes, trophy's and medals, he also earned the silver medal at an enduro in Potosi, Mo. in 1972 which qualified him to race the coveted International Six Days Trials held in Dalton, Mass. Later he and his wife enjoyed touring the country on their Honda Goldwing riding thousands of miles either alone or in the company of their great friends. He also enjoyed continuing to ride by attending numerous Poker Runs where, more often than not, he would win the "Oldest Rider" award. He is proceeded in death by his parents, wife, and son Randy Donaldson. Survivors include daughter Jamie Dean and husband Larry of Coffeyville, son Jason and wife Vonda also of Coffeyville, granddaughter Sarah Butler, husband Lance, great-grandchildren Rowan and Ryker Butler of Tulsa, Okla., and grandson Matthew Dean and his wife Samantha of Coffeyville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 16, 2019 at 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Road, Coffeyville. Services will be held Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 10:00 am at Grace Fellowship Church 2455 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville. Memorials are suggested to Harry Hines Memorial Hospice www.hynesmemorial.org/donate/ or Grace Fellowship Church www.gracefellow.net; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.