Donald L. Redden, age 80, of Gratiot, died at his home on Thursday, August 10, 2023 with his wife, Connie, by his side. Don was born on March 17, 1943 in Frankfort, Kentucky, the son of Edward and Virginia (Armstrong) Redden. Don received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville, Masters in Public Administration from USC, and earned a PHD in Leadership from Capella University in Minneapolis. Don was in the Army National Guard from 1964 until 1970, serving 17 months of active duty in Vietnam.
Shortly after his return from Vietnam, Don was hired as a special agent for the FBI. He loved his job and had numerous noteworthy cases over his 25 year career. Following his retirement, Don and Connie, who was also an FBI agent, purchased a farm in Gratiot where they began raising and breeding horses. Don had the satisfaction of seeing some of his home bred thoroughbreds win at Churchill Downs, Arlington Park, and Hawthorne Race Course.
Not one to sit idle for long, shortly after moving to Gratiot, Don went back to work for 20 more years managing fraud investigations and teaching online. When Don finally gave up his day job, he began focusing on his personal fitness at the Monroe YMCA. He served on the board and treasured the friendships he made in the myriad of group fitness classes he attended.
Don’s quick wit, ease of making friends and lively story telling provided him with an expansive circle of friends who he loved to host for meals and drinks on his porch. His stories live on in his book, “Commitment to Courage”, published in 2019.
Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, Connie Redden of Gratiot; two children, LeeAnn and Jason; brother, Paul (Sharon) Redden of Albuquerque, NM; a niece, nephew, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and former wife, Ann, mother of his children.
Visitation for Don will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe. Inurnment of Don’s ashes will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Don’s name to the Green County Family Capital Campaign fund. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
