Donald Bernard Gels, 79, husband of the late Donna Marie (Sullivan) Gels, died Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Pruitt Health Aiken, S.C.

A native of St. Henry, OH, Donald was a son of the late Jerry and Helen (Knapke) Gels.

He was a veteran of the United States Army. Donald lived in Aiken, SC since 1989 and was a retired quality control inspector with Bechtel Corporation. He previously worked for Boeing Corporation on the Saturn V Project.

He was a member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include a daughter, Dawn Marie Moore (Scotty), Aiken, SC; three sons, Daniel Gels (Michelle), Birmingham, AL, LTC Douglas Gels (Rebecca), Suitland, MD, Dean Gels (Elizabeth), Hoboken, NJ, eight grandchildren; three sisters, Virginia Waller (John), Birmingham, AL, Nancy King (Robert), Cincinnati, Judith Gels, Cincinnati; a brother, Charlie Gels (Karen), St. Henry; and a brother-in-law James Dippold (Betty) of St. Henry.

In addition to his wife and parents, Donald was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Dippold.

A Memorial Mass for both Don & Donna will be held 11:30 AM Thursday, February 11, 2016 at St. Henry Catholic Church. Burial with military rites will follow in St. Henry Cemetery.

The family will receive friends following the graveside service at 3G's restaurant in St. Henry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Knights of Columbus, 1003 Spaulding Drive, Aiken, SC 29803.