Donald Custer Obituary
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He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Henry and Pearl Geneva Hickey Custer; wife, Patricia Custer.
Donnie spent his life serving his country and his home here in Sequatchie County serving in various roles with Dunlap Police Department, Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee National Guard. He was recently awarded Constable of the Year by the East Tennessee Constable Association. He was affectionately known as the "General" by his buddies in law enforcement. He had a true servant's heart.
Donnie served 27 years in the Army, retiring as Staff Sergeant. He served his country during the Vietnam Era and was deployed during Desert Storm with the 212th Engineer Company in Dunlap as the Communication Sergeant. He also served in Korea during his time in the Army.
Donnie was awarded many medals during his military career including the Army Commendation medal for Valor, Southwest Asia Service Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal.
He is survived by his significant other, Dora "Dolly" Childress; daughters, Tonya (Jay) Roberts and Tara (Tommy) Shell; sister-in-law, Margaret (Doug) Pfeffer; brother-in-law, Steve (Becky) Headrick; grandchildren, Austin (Caylea) Young, Jagger (Jessica) Roberts, Summer Fullam, Shawn Shell and Cameron Shell; great grandchildren, Lynnon Young, Avery Wallace, Jace Roberts, Journey Fullam, Layton Shell, Brynlee Shell, Oakley Shell and Luke Shell along with several cousin and many special friends he has made throughout his life.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 4, 2024 at 5:00 PM in the chapel of Ewton Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Honors will be provided by Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard, Masonic Lodge and Dunlap Police Department. Burial will follow Tuesday, November 5 at 12:30 PM CST at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors. Family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Monday from 11:00 AM until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, Donnie would be honored if you would support East Tennessee Constable Association or Sequatchie Valley Lodge #78 FOP.
Ewton Funeral Home & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Donald Custer and ask that you share your memories and condolences for his family on our website at www.ewtonfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
DeeAnna McKinney
November 2, 2024
Growing up with Donnie was a challenge. He was the most ornery cousin we had to deal with. The stories we are sharing amongst ourselves brings many laughs and tears. He would chase his city cousins, Dee and Doris, with snakes and there was the time he got caught putting matches between your dad's toes while, I´m sure he was pretending, to be asleep. He would fish and swing on the vines with his cousin, Gerald.
Hope your uncle Marion sees you and has his pocket change ready for you.
It was a blessing to have you in our lives and we will sorely miss you.
Rest in peace dear cousin.
Much love from your Custer cousins,
Dee, Gerald and Doris.
PS: I'll miss our texting, Dee
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Sharon Tate
November 1, 2024
I remember when Donnie rode back home to Tennessee with Mother, Daddy & me from Aunt Cecile´s home in Florida when I was only 6 or 7. He constantly aggravated me so much Daddy finally pulled off the highway & separated us, putting Mother in the backseat with me & Donnie in the front with him the rest of the trip. It makes me laugh every time I think of it. And then I think of a time when Donnie was home on leave from Germany & came to visit me when I lived in Nashville. He didn´t have to do that but it meant a lot to me. Then he & Pat asked me to play & sing at their wedding. It was an honor & a memory I´ll always hold in my heart. Rest in peace Cousin Donnie!
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6936 Hwy 28, Dunlap, TN 37327
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