E. Donald Gornet

Devoted and generous, his enduring love for his family defined his life. He was honorable, engaging and patient; his smile and stories uplifted everyone.

Beloved husband of 61 years to Marilynne Kruse; loving father of Anne Gornet (Daniel) Kapp, Lois Gornet (Mike) Hilgers, Ruth (Bill) Gornet-Irwin and Mary Gornet (Steve) Avila; caring father-in-law of Theresa Barnum Gornet; cherished grandfather of Rachel and Leah Gornet; William, Katherine, and Elizabeth Kapp; Abigail and Benjamin Hilgers; James and Jeremy Irwin; Luke, Hannah and Mark Avila. Preceded in death by his treasured son Mark, infant son Luke and older brother, Robert. He was a devoted son to his parents, the late Edgar and Dorothy Gornet. He leaves his younger brother Kenneth (Ramona), dear sister-in-law Gloria Gornet, many nieces, nephews, friends, associates and much extended family.

Don was born in St. Louis on February 25, 1929. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmaus Lutheran Church. He attended Roosevelt High School and was a 1949 graduate of Washington University’s school of architecture, a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Stationed in Germany as a 1st Lieutenant, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean conflict. He was an associate with the Gail Henderson Architectural Firm until he formed a professional partnership with Tom Shearman. For 36 years the firm of Gornet and Shearman, Architects and Engineers designed hundreds of buildings over a six-state area, primarily banks and churches. Don traveled the world with his wife, exploring all seven continents. He enjoyed photography and model railroading. Don was a man of strong faith and served as president of several congregations. He frequently donated his architectural expertise to benefit churches and his community, including the design and working drawings of the former Peace Lutheran Church in Bridgeton.

Family and friends are invited to call at HOFFMEISTER COLONIAL MORTUARY 6464 Chippewa on Saturday, January 21 from 2-6 PM.

Family and friends are asked to join the family on Sunday, January 22, from 3-4 PM at Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive, Belnor, Missouri with funeral services to begin at 4:00 PM.

Private interment at St. Trinity Cemetery, 2160 Lemay Ferry Road.

Memorials welcomed in Don’s name to Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission; PO Box 354; One Mission Lane; Rock Point, AZ 86545-0345. Condolences may be sent to www.hoffmeister.colonial.com.