William Donald "Donnie" Gootee, age 75 of Loretto, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 16, 1944 in Loretto. He was a retired employee of General Electric in Louisville and a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert William Gootee, Sr. and Margaret Augustine Cambron Gootee; two sisters, Patty Burba and Sissy Coy; seven brothers, Rob, Bill, Joe, Harry, Jerry, Spencer and infant Benedict Gootee.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Johnson Gootee; two daughters, Donna Downs (Todd) of Loretto and Karen Shoemake (Mike) of Saint Francis; five sons, Johnny Gootee (Lou Ann) of Lebanon, Timmy Gootee, Tony Gootee (Jan) and Charles Gootee (Katina) all of Loretto and Pat Gootee (Tawnie) of Cox's Creek; 22 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Ann Nalley of Louisville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6785 Highway 52, Loretto. Rev. Bryan T. Lamberson will preside. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation is 3-8 PM Wednesday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 PM by Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant.

Memorials may go to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Hosparus Health of Green River, Green River Plaza, Suite 5, 295 Campbellsville Bypass, Campbellsville, KY 42718 or Masses.

Pallbearers are oldest grandsons, Matthew Downs, Kevin Gootee, Anthony Gootee, Marty Gootee, Tyler Shoemake and Blake Gootee with the other grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers.