Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Game Warden Donald Wyatt Gentry

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Virginia

End of Watch Tuesday, December 19, 1972

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Game Warden Donald Wyatt Gentry

Warden Gentry,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Florida. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 19, 2022

Today I visited the law enforcement memorial in Washington. Although I only met you when I was a child, you are my cousin. You are remembered and honored today.
Thank you for your service and dedication.
Rusty Gentry

Danny Gentry
Citizen

May 15, 2019

Today I visited the law enforcement memorial in Washington. Although I only met you when I was a child, you are my uncle. You are remembered and honored today.
Thank you for your service and dedication.
Rusty Gentry

Danny Gentry
Citizen

May 15, 2019

I began my career as a Virginia State Game Warden on February 14, 1972 (hired with Allen Flippo). I had the pleasure of working with Donald Gentry frequently during the summer of 72, mostly on boat patrols. I grew up on the Chickahominy River and Donald introduced me to the Blackwater and Nottoway Rivers, which I had never seen. They were beautiful streams and there was much less boating activity than now. There was also very little development along the rivers, although fishing was very popular. I have fond memories of working with Donald that summer. I was a young rookie and Donald called me his "little buddy". I was working with Donald and Allen Flippo on the night that their plane went down in Southampton County. I was still somewhat inexperienced and was riding with Isle of Wight Game Warden James McClenney. Allen picked Donald up at the Franklin Airport for a special spotlighting patrol that we were working. McClenney and I were the ground units. I remember that shortly after the plane got off the ground, Donald called on the radio to McClenney and told him to "take care of my little buddy". I will never forget Allen or Donald or the events that led to their deaths. They were both dedicated officers and loved their job. May they rest in peace and may God bless their families who had to continue on without their loving prescence.

CPO Kenneth D. Skinner
VA Dept of Game & Inland Fisheries

November 7, 2017

Happy Fathers Day dad! Love and miss you!

Donna Dunlow
1973

June 18, 2016

Dad another Christmas has come and gone and wishing you and mom were here with us.We love you and miss you. Donna

Donna
Daughter

December 29, 2014

Another year has gone by and missing you as much as ever. Fathers day is coming up in a few weeks and I just wanted to post of few words that express how much you are loved and missed...

Barbara Sterrenberg

May 21, 2013

Daddy,

The years go by and there is not a day I do not think about you and wonder what life would have been like if you were here with us. You are missed more than words can explain.. I am sure mom has shared many stories with you since you'll had been reunited and knowing here she has probably told every story two or three times knowing that you missed a lot of things.. Please kiss mom for us and know we dearly love and miss both of you....

Barbara Sterrenberg
Daughter

June 7, 2012

Hi there!! I am your granddaughter Nicole. I have often wondered what life would have been like with you in it and i feel that we would of been super close. From pictures i have seen Uncle Wyatt looks just like you!! (and what a looker he is) I wish you could of been here to see your family grow and grow, i am sure you would be very proud of us. I am very lucky to be in such a wonderful family. I know that your looking down on us so please keep a good eye on us. I have been told many stories and seen many pictures and videos of you and Granny and it was a great treat to see all that. I am proud to call you my Grandpa. We love and miss you tons.

Amanda Nicole Hodges
Granddaugter

February 29, 2012

Daddy,

There are still so many times that I think of you and your love for your family. I sure wish things had turned out different. It would have meant so much to have you at each of our weddings and to watch us all grow up. I especially wish you could have been around for "Little Wyatt " who looks just like you. You would be so proud! When your life was taken there was a hole left in our hearts that was never filled. We are proud of you because you were one of the few that stood for what is right and I am proud to call you my Daddy! We miss you so much and love you dearly.

Janet Gentry Gillam
Daughter

August 9, 2011

Happy Fathers Day Daddy! We love and miss you Lots..

Anonymous

June 20, 2010

Dad we miss you and love you lots! Please take care of mom now that you are together again. We are very proud and Honored to be your children.
All My Love,
Donna Gentry

Donna Gentry
Daughter

August 15, 2009

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 8, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 10, 2007

daddy we miss you and love you so much. you are always in our heart and mind.

barbara gentry sterrenberg
daughter

July 11, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 19, 2007

Rest in peace, sir! You are not forgotten...............

December 22, 2005

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 4, 2004

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