Command Sgt. Maj. Donnie Lee Stoneking
Command Sgt. Maj. Donnie Lee Stoneking, 86, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 2016, formerly of Newport News, VA, passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022 in Cape Coral. He was born August 20, 1935 in Rushville, IL to George and Ruth Stoneking, now deceased.
Donnie was a highly decorated veteran who served 30 years in the United States Army. During his time served he fought in Korea, Cambodia and Vietnam where he earned several medals including the Bronze Star three times for meritorious achievement in ground operations, Korean Cross of Gallantry, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with three knots, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Ribbon with three stars. Donnie culminated his military career as Command Sergeant Major, 24th Transportation Battalion, Fort Eustis, VA.
Through his leadership, technical guidance and superb exemplary performance, units in which he held positions of responsibility reached new heights of morale, physical fitness, and overall mission capability. His extraordinary career was an example to all soldiers as one characterized by the utmost devotion. Upon retirement Donnie was recognized for distinguished performance of duty which represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army.
Donnie was a hard-working man, after the military he went on to build a 30-year career as a Maintenance Supervisor. Donnie also dedicated many years to youth sports as an umpire and referee for baseball, basketball and football. He was well known in his community for his hard work and dedication.
Aside from his career, Donnie’s greatest devotion was to his family. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Peggy Thorpe (Kevin) of Hertford, NC; grandchildren, Christopher Dunham, Amber Price (Wayne), Natasha Mazzola (Gaspare), and Christian Thorpe; as well as great grandchildren, Ayden Mazzola, Avalyn Dunham, Wayne Price, Jr., and Alec Mazzola.
Donnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helga Stoneking in 2020; as well as two daughters, Tina Land and Pamela Stoneking.
A Celebration of Donnie’s life will be held at a later date in Newport News, VA.
Memorial Contributions in memory of Donnie Lee Stoneking are suggested to Hope for the Warriors, 8003 Forbes Place, Suite 201, Springfield, VA 22151.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
Peggy Thorpe & Amber My deepest condolences are with you and your Family. I’d like to personally thank him for his 30 years of service in the United States Army! May you rest in peace and may your Family find peace and comfort in knowing you are in God’s hands.
Life will not be the same without my dad for sure. Regardless of how old you are he still wanted you to check in whenever you were on travel any where, I will miss him looking after me. Less than a year ago I lost my mom, life without parents and siblings will take an adjustment for sure but knowing my dad is back with my mom is a positive thing and I will focus on that. He was and is a hero to me and so many others. He was a patriot through and through. He earned every certificate, award, ribbon, medal, etc. with honor and grace…. he is a true American! Rest in peace dad you have without a doubt earned it 100 times over. I will love you and miss you always and I know I will see you again.
Super Hero and True Patriot….. my dad!
You have my deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family. Reading the accolades of a true hero may he truly Rest in Peace…..
Thanks to this hard working and dedicated man I am proud to have had the privilege to have as not only a Grandfather(Opa), but he was also the man I considered as my Father. I miss him dearly, but I know he is with the other two important parental figures I loved and cherished, my Oma, and my mother, Tina, looking down upon us and to help guide those of us who they had to leave behind. All I can hope for is that they can see that I have conquered the demons in my past, and I will continue to remain on this path of positivity in their honor. Avalyn will always know their one and only Oma, Opa, and “Gramma” Tina..🤗Thanks to those three looking down from heaven, I know they can and will be proud of my sisters and I, and our families, their remaining surviving daughter and sister, my Aunt Peggy and her family. I can’t speak for everyone else, but I can say without a doubt, my world will never be the same without them here in the physical realm. Thank you to everyone and all for the kind words of sympathy and support to our family during these times. Oma, Opa, Mom,……I love and miss you each and everyday, I will try and live a good life so I can feel those beams of light hit my face with warmth when your smiling down on me. With all my love, I will await the day when it’s my time to join you up there in a warm embrace.
i will miss are phone calls are long and short one’s .rest well uncle .ill see you on the other side .
What a great inspiration to me thanks CSM prayer’s
He was the last of the old Stoneking family,. Wish I had spent more time with him and your mom.he is kicking ass and taking names of his fellow soldiers.
It was an absolute pleasure to get to know Mr. Don.. Even though it was a short time, I found him to be honest, loyal and honorable.. I will miss hearing his stories about life, I loved to hang out with him while he was watching his great grandchildren race BMX.. I will miss making him his burnt hot dogs, hot chocolate and handing him a milky way bar, ice cream pop and root beer.. He knew I knew what he wanted when he would come to the concessions window.. He was definitely our best and favorite customer each night he was there.. We became good friends through the few years that I got to know him.. And he loved my chocolate cake and told me that often, which always put a smile on my face.. I will truly miss this man.. I’m very delighted, proud and honored I got to call him my friend.. All my prayers are with Natasha and all her family in this time of grief and solace.. May he forever Rest In Peace.. The world was so lucky to have had this wonderful man make his mark, and he will never be forgotten.. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
I’m truly sorry for your all’s loss. He was a great man. He will be missed by many. May he Rest In Peace.
My sincerest condolences to the family during this difficult time. I am a product of CSM Stoneking’s leadership in 24th Battalion. May his dear soul rest in peace!
I was a 1SG under him in the 24th Trans Bn, great Soldier, Leader, Mentor, RIP IN PEACE CSM WE GOT THE WATCH NOW. UNTIL VAHALLA