Donnie D. Tennis, age 78, went home to be with Jesus on the evening of March 3rd, 2024 at his home in Springfield Missouri. He was the loving and devoted husband of Bonnie Tennis for nearly 54 years, beloved father of Melissa Bryant (Leon), Tia Fox (Joe), and the best grandpa to Walker Hurley (Hannah), Ansley Rankin (Zach), Coy Fox, Caylee Fox, and Jacob Bryant. Donnie was born to parents Paulie and Oneita Tennis on February 21, 1946 in Highlandville, MO and had 6 siblings, Ronald Gene, Charles Leroy, Larry Ray, Glenda Mae, Ricky Lynn, and Verna Jean whom he loved and cared for deeply.

Donnie was a proud veteran of the United States Army of which he served with during the Vietnam War and remained in the reserves until he was retired in 1995. Donnie’s strength, courage, and heart for serving others and his country was evident throughout his years of service.

He worked at French’s in the mill for many years, bringing home smells of dried mustard, garlic, and years supplies of BBQ sauce. Donnie was a hard worker and believed in putting 100% into everything that he did.

Donnie was a true man of God and his faith was evident to all that met him. Anyone that had the honor and privilege of knowing Donnie saw the love of our Lord and Savior shining through him. Donnie is described by his friends, family, and plethora of loved ones as a true Christian man and a prime example of what it means to love others as Christ has called us to. There is no doubt that Donnie is smiling down on all of us from Heaven today and we all know Heaven is a more beautiful place today since he has joined the Kingdom and walks the streets of gold.

Donnie will be remembered for many things, but his family and friends will always remember and cherish his sly smirk, strong beliefs, courage and dedication to everything he did, and his love of old western movies and tv shows. Donnie was an avid animal lover, often bringing his pet chickens into the house and feeding all of the neighborhood cats and deer. There is nothing Donnie wouldn’t do for the people he loved. Donnie recently spent a long evening at Incredible Pizza with his grandchildren and was nothing but smiles the entire time. Donnie loved his people deeply, and that void will be felt until we meet again.

A visitation will be held for Donnie on Thursday, March 7th, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. A funeral service will take place Friday, March 8th, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri at 9:00 am. Family and friends are asked to join at Greenlawn Funeral Home North at 8:00 am Friday the 8th for the processional to Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans in Donnie’s honor.