Donald Anthony Tumas

Donald Anthony Tumas, 82, of Marshville passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, after a brief illness.

Don was born on January 6, 1941, in Worcester, MA, the son of a second-generation Lithuanian stone cutter, Anthony Tumas, and his beautiful wife Mary (Blavakas) Tumas. After losing his Mom at the age of 7, Don was raised by his extended family. Don graduated from high school in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent the next 29 years in service to his country. Don served in the Security Police and was a highly regarded airman, known for remarkable professionalism, as well as numerous acts of valor and courage. When Don ended his career in the Air Force, he had earned the title of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank achievable as an enlisted, non-commissioned officer.

After his retirement, he moved to Florida where he spent the next 20 years running “Handy Dandy Don” property management and carpentry services. He was a talented and respected craftsman, most of his business dealings were sealed with an old-school handshake and the promise of his word. In his leisure time, Don enjoyed keeping a beautiful home and landscape, fishing, woodworking, and painting, and he was an amazing cook.

In 1968, while stationed at Pope Air Force base, Don met Joyce and after a 2-year courtship, they married. Joyce and Don spent the next 53 years together, sharing a lifetime of memories and devotion that ended with Joyce by his bedside holding Don’s hand as he passed. They were a remarkable couple who shared a deep, true love and a strong bond.

Along with his wife, Don is survived by his sister, Marilyn (Tumas) Casello, and his nephew Anthony Casello of Massachusetts, as well as an extended family he befriended along the journey of his life. Don shared a remarkable ability to connect with people and while some may think it a cliché, both he and Joyce have truly never met a stranger.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 13, 2023, followed by Catholic Funeral Liturgy in the chapel at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC. Family and friends are invited to arrive and gather prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the Tumas family.