Donald Eugene Tench

Donald E. Tench, age 97, of Demorest, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Mr. Tench was born on June 5, 1929 in Habersham County, Georgia to the late Hezekiah Tench and Viola Ivie Tench. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dan Tench, Dewey Tench, and Hoyt Tench; sisters, Dorothy O'Neal, Helen McGaha, and Doris Stamey.

Donald proudly dedicated a total of 38 years to military service through both active and reserve duty. During his active-duty service, he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. His dedication to his fellow veterans continued long after his military service ended. In 1956, Donald became one of the first members of the original Grant-Reeves Honor Guard, a role he faithfully carried out for many years by conducting military rites at the funerals of fellow veterans. His commitment to honoring those who had served their country was a testament to the respect and pride he held for his military brothers and sisters.

Donald was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was also a member of Grant-Reeves V.F.W. Post 7720, American Legion Post #84, and the Shriners and Cornelia Lodge #92 F&AM. In addition to his distinguished military career, Donald retired from the Georgia Department of Corrections after 23 years of dedicated service.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Bonnell Chambers Tench, of Demorest; sons, Cranford Milton Tench, of Demorest; Charles Steven Tench, of Potomac, MD; grandchildren, Adam Eugene Tench, MacKenzie Tench, Meredith Tench Rael, and Megan Tench; and brother, Douglas Tench.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Rev. Terry Rice and Rev. Robert Nix officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the Grant Reeves Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2026 and 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grant Reeves VFW 7720, 200 E. Louise Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.