Donald W. Cordrey, 78, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away peacefully Thursday, April 18, 2024, at his residence surrounded by family. His wife, Alice J. Kirkpatrick Cordrey, survives. They were married on September 20, 1964.
He was born October 9, 1945 in Bellefontaine, Ohio, son of the late Walter and Vadah Titus Cordrey. He was a 1964 graduate of DeGraff High School.
Don managed Landmark in Bellefontaine and Wilmington and then became a longtime seed salesman for Settlemyre Seed Company. He eventually retired from New Sabina Industries. In his retirement, he worked for many years at Smith Funeral Home in Wilmington and in New Vienna and also drove a cab for the Wilmington Transit Company.
Don was a member of Wilmington Masonic Lodge No. 52, Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati, and the Cary Chapter 221 of the Order of Eastern Star. He was a member and past elder of the Wilmington Church of Christ. He attended the Walk to Emmaus number 44. He was a longtime Farm Bureau member and former member of the Jaycees in Bucyrus and Wilmington. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and coached baseball for many years.
In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his children, D. Wayne (Kim) Cordrey Jr. of Sabina, Ohio, Duane D. (Carol) Cordrey of Mount Airy, Maryland, and Jean Ann (Todd) Cloud of Springboro, Ohio; brother, Darryl (Beth) Cordrey of Urbana, Ohio; sisters, Viola Bishop of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Dolores Messner of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Sharon (Bob) Gootee of Lake Placid, Florida; grandchildren, Rebecca (Aaron) Laws, Rachel (Joey Woodgear) Cordrey, Matt (Allie) Kibler, Trenton Cordrey, Cordell (Katie) Cordrey, Elisabeth Cordrey, Braden Cordrey, Derek Cloud, Camden (Emily) Vinup, and Cara Vinup; ten great-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren due in August; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Dale W. Cordrey; a sister, Phyllis Cordrey; and a great-granddaughter.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio. A funeral service with Danny Harp officiating will begin at 7 p.m. Friday. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27 at Huntsville Cemetery in Logan County, Ohio.
If desired, contributions in Don’s memory may be made to Community Care Hospice, 1669 Rombach Ave., Wilmington, OH 45177.
For more information or to leave a note of condolence visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.