Gayle Roland Donham, 84, died Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. Love and prayer surrounded him with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law by his side. He was born on October 29, 1934, to Fletta Claudine Samford and Cecil Herbert Donham, in Houston, Texas. Gayle was employed with Hughes Tool Corporation for over 15 years as a stationary engineer 1st class. Prior to his career at Hughes, Gayle flew crop duster planes, was a merchant marine, and was employed by the Texas Rail Road. He was a Master Mason and member of the Lindale Park Masonic Lodge #1347 AF & AM for 43 years. He and his wife, Connie, were members of the Catholic Charismatic Center in Houston, for many years. Gayle was a loving father to his only daughter, Jennifer. She affectionately referred to him as “Downey”. Those who knew Gayle best fondly remember him for his love of: intricate wooden and iron tavern puzzles, photography, model airplane construction, movies, country music, automobiles, model cars, aviation, coins, stamps, and world history. He also loved his cat, ‘Cookie Lookie’ and cockatiel birds, especially ‘Tweetie’. When at home, Gayle could be found in his room working his word search puzzles with his magnifying glass while listening to country music. He loved watching his grandchildren attempt his puzzles and would get tickled when they eventually surrendered and asked for his help. He leaves his loving wife of 61 years, Constanza ‘Connie’ Adoralida Donham, of Houston, Texas; along with his daughter, Jennifer Kay Donham Hernandez and her husband, Esteban ‘Steve’ Hernandez of Crystal Beach, Texas; grandson, Christopher Esteban Hernandez and his girlfriend, Anna Beth Laughlin of Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Jennifer Elizabeth Bosworth and her husband, Jacob David Bosworth of Dallas, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fletta and Cecil Donham; and brother, Donald K. Rogers. The family would like to express special thanks to Mrs. Lillie Glenn for her many years of attentive care and support while Gayle was at his residence. Additionally, the family would like to express gratitude to the nurses and staff at Gulf Health Care Center where Gayle resided for the last six months. In lieu of flowers, online donations may be made in Gayle’s name to the American Brain Foundation at https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org.