Oct 1, 1952 — Aug 16, 2026
Donal Nolan Mathena, Jr. passed from this life to receive his eternal reward on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Compassus Bethany House in Auburn AL.
Donnie, as family and friends called him, was born in Logan, WV on October 1, 1952 to Donal Nolan, Sr. and Mamie (Castelli) Mathena. As the son of an enlisted military man, Donnie and his family lived in many different places such as Virginia, Texas, Kansas, France, and Georgia. It was difficult to be a military child in school and Donnie would freely confess that he barely tolerated and, frankly, didn’t like school. After many, many years, as he would say, of traumatic experiences, Donnie graduated in 1970 from Baker High School in Columbus, GA.
Before enlisting in the Army in 1971, he worked several jobs, including Pinky Dinky Ice Cream truck which became his favorite workplace story to share about his pre-military work experience. Upon completing Army basic training in Fort Jackson, SC, Donnie went into communications and served in that capacity until retirement. Like his father, he too served his country in many locations such as Georgia, Germany, Turkey, Texas and Maryland where he ended his active military service in 1993. Shortly before leaving the service, Donnie met and married Kathleen (Garnett) and after several years working at the Defense Information Systems Agency together in Fort Detrick, MD they eventually came south and settled in Five Points, AL.
Donnie endeared himself to friends and acquaintances with his peculiar mannerisms and personality traits. He had an uncanny ability to connect and recall each person’s name and unique characteristics about them. Patience was also a quality Donnie possessed in abundance. For example, he could and would take more than an hour to eat a simple meal. Anyone who knew him knew that Donnie absolutely loved hunting and fishing and all things outdoors. He enjoyed a good Jack and Coke, and 70’s music, and bowling with his team in Valley, AL. But most of all he loved his family and spending time all together.
In his later days we all were amused with him saying “let me think about it for a little bit” when reminded he needed to do something. He was a notorious procrastinator but through it all he was a kind and giving soul who was so loved and will be sorely missed.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Sylva and Etta Mathena, Pete and Susan Castelli, parents Donal Sr. and Mamie Mathena, and nephew Paul Mathena. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Mathena, children: Diana Mathena, Jeanette (Joe) Mathena-McGovern, Kerry (Jason) Ulm, Donal Mathena III (Wendy), stepsons Michael Overman and Chris Garza, brother Richard (Debra) Mathena, sister Sherry (Rodney) Bishop, and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services are as follows (all times are Eastern):
Visitation September 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Valley-Point Funeral Home and Cremation, Lanett AL with Rosary to follow at 8:00 PM.
Interment at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, AL October 1, 2026 at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers the Family requests donations to Compassus Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood Dr, Bldg 100, Auburn, AL 36830
The staff at Valley-Point Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Family of Mr. Donal N. Mathena Jr.
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