Donald Leo Pardee was born May 9, 1920 in Audubon, Iowa, the son of Earl Charles and LaMeda (McNary) Pardee. He died, age 89, Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at his home in Rosati where he had lived for the last two-thirds of his life.
Don was united in the Sacrament of Marriage to Concetta (“Chetty”) Donati on June 16, 1951. They recently celebrated their 58th anniversary.
He is survived by his wife Chetty at the home. He is also survived by his son Rev. Charles Pardee of Rosati and by his son Mark Pardee and his wife Sharon of Gulfport, Mississippi and their two children, his grandchildren, Angela Pardee of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Anthony Pardee of Albany, New York; brother Robert Pardee of Cleveland, Texas and brother John (“Jack”) Pardee of Gouse, Texas. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Lavonne Coe, brother William (“Bill”) Pardee, sister Mary Colleen Adams, and brother Bernard Pardee. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Don served in the U.S. Army for 6 years, including during World War II in the Pacific theater. Following his honorable discharge, he was employed at various jobs until working for 30 years as the Skelgas Bottling Plant Manager in Rosati where he retired in 1983. Since that time he has continued to raise cattle and grow grapes on his farm in Rosati.
Visitation will be Friday, July 24 5:00-7:00 at the James-Gahr Mortuaries in St. James with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00. The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Rosati with burial following in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Rosati.
Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Cemetery in Rosati.