Donald James Rudisaile, 84, of Festus died Sept. 3, 2024, in Cypress, Texas, after a battle with cancer. Mr. Rudisaile was one of four boys. Time spent with his mom and grandparents shaped him greatly. He will be remembered for his honesty, humility, reliability and loyalty. He graduated high school in 1958 and joined the U.S. Air Force. During his service in the Intelligence Division, he was known for his dedication, strength and sense of duty. After completing his service, he was employed at AT&T for more than 30 years. He met his wife, Mary, while still serving in the Air Force. Upon returning home a year later, they reunited at the Artesian where he asked her to dance for the first time. They later married on April 16, 1966. He also was known for his smile, resilience, hardworking nature, generosity, kindness and love for his family. He enjoyed being with friends, hunting with his dogs, fishing, golfing and playing tennis. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Born May 24, 1940, in Festus, he was the son of the late Naomi Caldwell and Lucius Rudisaile.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Mary Grimshaw Rudisaile; two children: Donna (Paul) Wilson and Richard (Valerie) Rudisaile; and five grandchildren: Alyx (Walker) Adams, Rylie Wilson, Walker Rudisaile, Hagen Rudisaile and Maggie Rudisaile.
He was preceded in death by a son: James Rudisaile; and three brothers: Bob Rudisaile, Paul Caldwell and Monte Caldwell.
A visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Our Lady Catholic Church, 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, in Festus. Eulogies and a presentation of the flag will take place at the end of Mass. A gathering will follow at the KC Hall, 316 N. Adams St., in Festus. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society or Our Lady Catholic Church’s St. Vincent de Paul in Festus.