Donald G. Gaither

DONALD G. GAITHER was born on January 7, 1928, to the late Augustus & Rebecca Gaither. He departed this life on February 5, 2024 at his home after a brief illness. Donald attended Douglass High School and graduated in 1946. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1952. He was the first black radio operator aboard the USS Cone D.D. 866. Donald married Alberta L. Scott in 1952 and from that union a daughter, Donna Gaither, was born. His oldest daughter Charlotte Gaither “Kitty” was from a previous relationship. He was employed with U.S. Government from 1955 until he retired in 1998. He worked at Fort Meade for the U.S. Army and transferred to National Security Agency where he worked for 22 years. Donald attended Catonsville Community College where he received a degree in Mortuary Science. He became a licensed Mortician in 1998 and began a apprenticeship at Joseph Russ Funeral Home for 7 years and later worked at March Funeral Home East for 20 years, from which he retired. Donald joined the William F. Taylor Lodge #57 in 1960. He served as Worshipful Master from 1964-1966. He became Past Master once he left the seat. He served on the Baltimore City School Board from 1995-1999. He also served on the War Memorial Commission from 2000-2004. He traveled to Nairobi, Kenya in 1996 with the Baltimore School Board for inspection of a new school built for wayward boys from Baltimore City. Donald was a faithful member of Mount Winans United Methodist Church since the age of 18, where there were only three members at the time. He served on the Financial Committee and was also on the Usher Board. He loved visiting his vacation home in Cape May, New Jersey, and it was his place to rest and relax for over 40 years. He would ride his bike, swim, along with working on repairs for the house, and he loved gardening flowers & vegetables. He was an avid Orioles & Ravens fan and would watch the games with his nephew “Pete”. Donald is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Alberta L. Gaither (Scott), his daughters Charlotte Doris Gaither “Kitty” and Donna R. Gaither-Jeter, his sister Charlotte Reddick. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving devoted granddaughter, Larai Gaither “Puddin”; sister, Laverne Fair; nephew, Sterling “Pete” Bailey; niece, Paula Rooks; a devoted caregiver, Debbie Owens; son-in-law, Larry Jeter; and a host of family members along with his adopted grandkids who affectionately called him “Granddad."

Tributes

Donald G. Gaither

January 7, 1928 - February 5, 2024