Don Wayne Gumm US Navy Retired of Horse Cave, Kentucky, passed peacefully from this life at home on Monday, April 20, 2026 with his son and daughter-in-law by his side.
Don was born on September 3, 1935 in Defries, Kentucky to Nell (Obanion) Gumm and William Spencer Gumm. After finishing school, Don joined the United States Navy and worked as a Ships Service Man for 20 years before retiring. Among Don’s military service awards were: Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with “Go” Device, Vietnam Service Medal Bronze Star, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Task Force 60. After returning to civilian life he worked in the family ceramic business as well as construction, building their family home in 1978. He married Betty Waters in 1965 helping raise her son, Kevin Michael Mahler. Don and Betty had one son of their own, Stephen Wayne Gumm. Don’s love for Steve was very evident in their interactions with each other. The two had a very special bond especially throughout their adult lives.
After traveling the world in the navy, Don enjoyed the peaceful joys of tending his garden, his flowers, his koi pond, and his multiple bird feeders. Mr. Gumm had a confident relationship with our Creator and was a member of the Cave Springs Baptist Church.
Don served as a caregiver for most of his life. He spent 26 years caring for his stepson, Michael Mahler, and was taking care of his wife when she passed away in October of 2022. Mr. Gumm is preceded in death by his parents, Nell and Spencer Gumm, his wife of 57 years, Betty Waters Gumm, her son, Michael, and his 3 brothers, Bill, Earl and Gene Gumm.
Mr. Gumm is survived by one son, Stephen Wayne (Ruth Ann) Gumm of Glasgow, KY, along with five grandchildren: Chris L. Mahler of Russell Springs, KY, Kaitlyn (Jonathan) Hooker of Muncie, IN, Kaleigh (Eddie) Gumm of Waipahu, HI, Samantha (Ian) Gilson, of Spanish Fort, AL, and Courtney (Taylor) Clements, of Louisville, KY.
Visitation for Don Gumm will be held at Winn Funeral Home in Horse Cave, KY on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm and on Friday, April 24, 2026 beginning at 9:00 am until the service begins at 11:00 am. with interment in the Horse Cave cemetery with full military honors provided by the DAV Chapter 20 of Glasgow.
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