Donald Gene Gaddis, 81 years old, of Sherman, TX, passed from this life on July 2nd, 2026, at his home.

Gene was born on June 6th, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas, the son of Edward Raymond and Mary Jeanette (Hicks) Gaddis. He was a graduate of Denison High School. He was a veteran, having served in the US Army.

During his career, he worked at MKT Railroad, Breathco Mediserv, and Praxair.

Gene married Vanessa Ann Norris on July 23rd, 1977, in Sherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

Surviving are his wife, Vanessa Gaddis of Sherman; daughter, Stacey Grantland and her husband, Troy, of Denison; grandchildren, Brandon Grantland and Miranda Waymire, both of Denison; great-granddaughter, Ellie Grantland of Denison; brothers, James, Roy, and Ernie Gaddis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 am, Thursday, July 9th, 2026, at the West Hill Cemetery Pavilion.

The family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made in Gene’s memory to DAWG (Denison Animal Welfare Group), 3307 S Eisenhower Pkwy, Denison, TX 75020, or ARF (Animal Refuge Foundation), 3377 Spalding Rd, Sherman, TX 75092.

Online condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com .