Don Conatser

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Funeral services for Mr. Donnie Edward Conatser, age 83 will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 3:00 pm in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Bro. Danny Hembree will officiate.

His family will receive friends Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Don passed away peacefully on Thursday October 23, 2025, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. Born on December 9, 1941, in Overton County, Tennessee, Don lived a life marked by hard work, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to those he loved.

For over 40 years, Don dedicated himself to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, where he worked in road maintenance. His colleagues knew him for his direct nature and his unwavering reliability, and he cultivated deep bonds through his steady presence and his charitable spirit. He was a man who believed in giving back, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

Raised in the Alpine community of Overton County, Don took great pride in his roots. In a remarkable achievement, he earned his GED at the age of 71, exemplifying his belief in lifelong learning and personal growth. His commitment to education and personal development echoed throughout his life. Additionally, his service in the U.S. Army as an MP reflected his dedication to his country and community.

Don was known not only for his diligent work ethic, but also for his gentle demeanor and kindness. He enjoyed gardening, raising cattle, and indulging in his passion for judging mule pull events during his earlier years. A quiet man at heart, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life and took pride in living an active, independent existence.

Family was the cornerstone of Don’s life. He is survived by his loving family who adored him, his daughter, Robin (Nathan) Twitty of Cookeville; sons, Lannie (Cyndi) Vickers of Sparta and Jason Vickers of Cookeville. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Sara (Peyton) Ellis, Hannah Twitty, Loren Vickers, Maggie Vickers, Mason Vickers, Joshua Vickers, Cole Vickers, and Silas Vickers. He also cherished his two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Grayson Ellis. Additionally, he is remembered fondly by his sister, Mary Ruth Ledbetter, of Livingston, and his significant other, Jennie Garland.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Gaile Conaster; his mother, Floy Grace Conatser; his grandparents, Charles and Telea Poston Conatser; and his brother, Johnny Van Dishman. While he has departed from this world, the impact of his life and character will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Peyton Ellis, Mason Vickers, Cole Vickers, Silas Vickers, Terry Hembree, Pat Warren, Marcus Woolbright, and Justin Mashburn. will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Grayson Ellis, Cooper Woolbright, Gavin Woolbright, Mark Keylon and Mike Dishman.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to Food to the Rescue, a 501c3 non-profit organization, based in Cookeville, TN that delivers meals to local children which otherwise would not have food during seasonal school breaks https://www.foodtotherescue.org/.

Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.