Donnie Gillen

Cecil “Donnie” Gillen went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the age of 89. He was born on April 7, 1936, to Dick and Hazel Gillen in Blooming Grove, Texas. Donnie attended school in Blooming Grove and graduated with the Class of 1954. Growing up in a large family, Donnie understood the meaning and value of hard work. He began his career working alongside his father at Austin Paving Company, during his high school years with his uncle, Mack Stevenson at his service station, later joining Nabors Trailer Company, and eventually owning and operating Gillen’s Exxon until his retirement in 1999. On March 15, 1958, Donnie married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Flovin, and together they shared over 67 wonderful years of marriage. They welcomed a daughter and later a granddaughter, who were the light of his life. Known affectionately as “Grandad,” Donnie spent countless hours at his Exxon station teaching “his girls” life lessons and sharing his wisdom. Donnie and Peggy loved to travel, often setting out on spontaneous road trips just to see where the road would lead. They also enjoyed family trips to the National Finals Rodeo and team roping events, as long as they were surrounded by loved ones. Donnie’s passion for rodeo began as a bull rider and continued as a calf roper before transitioning to team roping. He cherished taking his daughter, Vicki, to high school rodeos and later supporting his granddaughter, Morgan, at livestock shows and softball games—sometimes both on the same day. When not spending time with family, Donnie could be found under a trailer wiring the lights, as he was known as the “best trailer light wiring guy around”. Donnie volunteered at the Navarro County Youth Expo, with the Lamb Show. During Morgan’s high school years, he took pride in preparing the CISD softball fields for games, ensuring they were always in the best condition possible for his “softball girls.” Donnie was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Corsicana, where he attended the Clark Sunday School Class. In his later years, he enjoyed buying antiques and helping Peggy with her antique business, as well as spending time with friends at their favorite Friday night auction. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Jerry Gillen, Johnny Gillen, Betty Campbell, Kathy Campbell, and Megan Gillen; and his in-laws, Newt and Wilma Flovin. He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy of Corsicana; daughter Vicki and husband Randall Arnett of Corsicana; granddaughter Morgan and husband Judson Limmer of Carmine; siblings Lelia and husband James Brown of Mesquite, Mike Gillen of Pattonville, Pam and husband Cliff Giese of La Grange, and Larry and wife Terri Gillen of Blooming Grove; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Pallbearers will be nephews Jerry Brown, Hank Campbell, Matthew Giese, Josh Gillen, Randy Gillen, and Rodney Gillen. Honorary pallbearers will be long time friends, Joe Haden, Buck Holditch, Victor Husband, Eddie Mahone, and Bobby Reagan. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the second-floor staff of Navarro Regional Hospital for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Corsicana; Navarro County Youth Expo; or the charity of one’s choice in Donnie’s name.

Donnie Gillen

April 7, 1936 - January 25, 2026