Michael Riley Gonder

Michael “Mike” Riley Gonder, 68, of Branson, Missouri formerly of Lexington, Missouri passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and Celebration of Life immediately following 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Lexington United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Bus 13 Hwy., Lexington, MO 64067.

Memorials are suggested to Lexington United Methodist Church or Tri lakes Community Singers. Memories of Mike and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660-259-2245.

Mike was born on January 17, 1957, in Emporia, Kansas to Truman Dale Gonder and Janet Kay (Ferguson) Montgomery. He graduated from Carrolton High School.

Mike worked for the technical center as a teacher for Lexington Schools. He attended Lexington United Methodist Church for many years. On April 17, 1982, Mike was united in marriage to Donna Jean (Eisaman) Gonder in Chillicothe, Missouri. He promised to marry Donna on their first date and made right on that promise. Mike was a part of the Kimberling City Methodist Choir and Tri Lakes Community Singers. Mike was a devoted husband, father, and Papa. To know him was to love him. He will always be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, making and finding friends wherever he went. Along with spending time with family and friends, Mike enjoyed fishing, singing, and being a talented instrumental player and had a deep love for Jesus.

In his free time, Mike cherished every chance to travel and embarked on cruises with his family, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and joy.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Donna Jean Gonder of the home; two children, Matthew (Lyndsey) Gonder of Wellsville, KS and Christi (Brian) Sudbrock of Willard, MO; four grandchildren, Mason Gonder, Wyatt Gonder, Riley Grace Sudbrock, and Marz Sudbrock; three sisters, Suzy Gonder of Springfield, MO, Chrisann (Chris) Floyd of Carrolton, MO, and Sunny Gonder of Springfield, MO; one brother, Patrick (Teresa) Gonder of Rowe, MA; two step sisters, Debbie (Mike) Mahy and Pam Montgomery; one step brother, Rob (Missy) Montgomery; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by both his parents.