Ivanhoe, Texas -- Gary Don Vandeventer left this world on August 18, 2025, at his home in Bonham, at the age of 65. To say he lived life to the fullest would be an understatement—Gary Don lived big, laughed loud, and loved deeply. Born on June 3, 1960, in Sherman, Texas, to Oscar Edward and Patricia Danner Vandeventer, he grew up with a cowboy soul that never left him.
To his family and friends, he was “Goober Don”—the man who could make anyone laugh, the one who turned ordinary moments into stories worth telling, and the heartbeat of every gathering. He was the life of the party, the one who made you feel welcome, and the one who could fill a room with his humor, music, and presence.
His days were often split between the rodeo arena and the music stage. Whether covered in dust from a ride or keeping rhythm behind a drum set with the Ace High Band, Gary Don lived with passion and joy. He had a gift for music and a gift for people—always sharing both freely. Professionally, he dedicated 16 years of hard work and loyalty to Folgers, but it was his family and friends that defined his greatest success.
Gary Don was a devoted dad to his daughters, Paige Banker and husband Garrett of Honey Grove, and Shelby Vandeventer and fiancé Dillon Clemons, also of Honey Grove. Nothing brought him more pride than being “Pappaw” to his grandchildren: Brady, Mason, Bellamy, and Stella Banker. He also leaves behind his brother, Allen Vandeventer and wife Debra; his sister, Lisa and husband John; and his nieces and nephews—Todd Hubbard (Alyssa), Stormy Mason (Michael), Lane Vandeventer (Brittany), Tony Matthews (Lynsie), Ryan Cirkles (Abby), and Hannah Cirkles—each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Though he is preceded in death by his parents, his legacy carries on in every story told, every laugh remembered, and every beat of the drum.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Ivanhoe Baptist Church, with Bro. Marty Hutchings officiating. Friends and family are invited to stay, share stories, and celebrate the man who made life brighter simply by being in it.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Mark Rattan, Mark Baugh, Randy Chapman, Tony Howard, Trent McClendon, Keith Pelton, James Collinsworth, David Neal, Joe Stephens and Col. (Ret.) Ben Danner.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Gary Don's legacy, please direct donations to Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home to assist the family with the unexpected funeral expenses.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence, visit www.coopersorrells.com
