Cover photo for Donnald W. Gambrel's Obituary
Donnald W. Gambrel Profile Photo
1967 Donnald W. Gambrel 2024

Donnald W. Gambrel

August 14, 1967 — November 29, 2024

Winamac

Donnald W. Gambrel, 57, of Winamac, Indiana passed away November 29, 2024. He was born to James Charles and Phyllis (McAlister) Gambrel on August 14, 1967 in LaPorte, Indiana. 

Donn was a Husband, Father, Papa, and Son. To some he was Gambie to others he was Dante’. He was also known as Pappa Donn and #68. 

He played football for William Penn and later in life he played and coached semi pro football for the Lake County Steelers and his beloved Chicago Thunder T4L. He was also American Football Hall of Fame Member. He coached high school and JV football for South Central. 

Donn proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve, he was part of the 542nd Transportation Company out of Kingsbury, Indiana. During Desert Shield/Desert Storm he was in the 18th Airborne Corp 452nd Transportation Company.

He was a Tournament Director for USA Bassin and Ambassador of the Sport of Bass Fishing. He was proud to be part of such a supportive and inspirational community. 

He is survived by his wife Rebecca; children: Cody Gambrel (Melissa), Joseph Thorpe (Laci), and Drake Thorpe (Stephanie); 16 grandchildren; mother Phyllis McAlister Lane (Dave); siblings: Charles Gambrel (Tina), Kari Hall (Lewis), Terri Francis (Dennis), and Patrick Gambrel; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Donnald is preceded in death by his father James Charles Gambrel; and son Brandon Gambrel. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CST at the First Freewill Baptist Church, 2456 E. St. Rd. 2, Rolling Prairie, Indiana 46371 with Military Honors. Pastor Steve Miller officiating. 

Donnald’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.RansFuneralHomes.com. 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donnald W. Gambrel, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

First Freewill Baptist Church

2456 East State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350

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