Donald Charles Cordry

Donald Charles Cordry, 85, of Columbus, passed from this life on December 9, 2022, at Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana. Don was born September 14, 1937, to Charles B. and L. Blanch Freeman Cordry in rural northern Bartholomew County. Don was a 1957 graduate of Columbus High School where he received a Gold Key in Art. Don attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati and also served in the Army from 1961 until 1963 as a military police dog handler. Don was President of the Bartholomew County Humane Society in its early years, and he was a lifelong lover of all animals and wildlife. Don married Nancy Jo Foist on April 24, 1962, and together they have three children: Brenda, Casey, and Alisa. Don retired from Columbus Silgas in 1999. His greatest joy in life besides his family was drawing and painting and his life resonated with the beautiful art he made. He developed many creative projects for family and friends. At Sandy Hook United Methodist Church, where he was a long-time member, he is remembered for his Sunday Chalk Talks, Puppet Ministry, and other creative contributions. Don’s creativity and love for life found many avenues. In 1973 he designed and, along with friends, built his long-time family home in southern Bartholomew County, which he considered his haven and happy place. In his spare time, he loved tinkering around the house, spending quiet mornings with his beloved wife, and watching birds and other wildlife. He enjoyed a multitude of family gatherings and activities over the years such as camping, bowling, line dancing, and playing cards. His hardworking, funny, cheerful, and gentle nature will forever be cherished by family and friends. Don’s legacy will live on in those he leaves behind including his wife of 60 years, Nancy, children Brenda (Tom) Sprague, Casey (Lori) Cordry, and Alisa (David) Doty, grandchildren Nick (Susan) Sprague, Cassie Sprague, Sam Cordry, Aidan Cordry, Lydia Hill, Nadia Hill, and Amelia Hill as well as his “critter/little fella” Bubba the cat. Don is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and extended family whom he held dear. Preceding Donald in death were his parents as well as siblings Hilda Shepherd, Martha Cordry, James Cordry, John Cordry, Leibert Cordry, and Carolyn Mock. Memorial contributions may be made through the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home to the Alzheimer’s Association, Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana, the Bartholomew County Humane Society, or Sandy Hook United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Don's life will be held at a later date and announced by Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.