Obituaries

August 14, 1967 to November 29, 2024

WINAMAC - Donnald W. Gambrel, 57, Winamac, passed away Friday, Nov. 29.

He was born Aug. 14, 1967, in LaPorte to James Charles and Phyllis (McAlister) Gambrel. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve, a part of the 542nd Transportation Company out of Kingsbury (IN). During Desert Shield/Desert Storm he was in the 18th Airborne Corp 452nd Transportation Company.

Donnald Gambrel

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

He is preceded in death by his father James Gambrel, and son Brandon Gambrel.

Mr. Gambrel 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 an American Football Hall of Fame member. He coached high school and JV football for South Central. 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. 

A celebration of life event will be at 2 p.m. (CT), Saturday, Dec. 7, at the First Freewill Baptist Church, 2456 E. St. Rd. 2, Rolling Prairie (IN), with military honors. Pastor Steve Miller will officiate. 

Mr. Gambrel’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.