Donald R. Monk

Donald Ruffus Monk, 64, of Madison, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

He was born in Nurnberg, Germany, July 17, 1957, to a Donald and Anneliese Monk, a young military couple. He graduated from the Northeast Alabama Police Academy in 1986 as VP of the 71^st Session and Calhoun College in 1991.  He married his soul mate Sharon in 2001.  

Donald spent his professional life in law enforcement in Madison, Alabama, from 1986 through 2018.  During his tenure at MPD, he was recognized as “1994 Officer of the Year,” awarded “2000 Respect for Law” by Madison Optimist Club, given the “Meritorious Service Award” in 2011, and oversaw $1M 2006 technology grant.  His career spanned from patrol officer to detective, SWAT, detective sergeant, investigator, and finally technology coordinator.  After his retirement from the police force, he continued to dedicate his time and talent on equipping patrol cars with the latest technology. 

Donald loved his family with every fiber of his being.  He was a devoted husband, son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He answered to Papaw.  He is survived by his wife (Sharon); mother (Anneliese Monk); sister (Rebecca Sims (Joe)); brother-in-law (Steve Millimaki (Lynn)); two daughters (Apryl Couch (Bryan), Allison Lucas (Todd)); step-son (Sean Gooch (Teri)); four grandsons (Andres’ Baron, Taylor Couch (Carlee), Alexander Gooch, Nixon Gooch); eight granddaughters (Evangeline Lucas, Lorelei Lucas, Ophelia Lucas, Hyacinth Lucas, Devin Gooch, Erin Gooch, Kayla Couch, Xeira Gooch); three nephews (JD Sims, Josh Millimaki (Jennifer), Jamie Millimaki (Amber)); niece (Katie Watkins (Cody)); two great-granddaughters (Alina Baron, Amber Couch); two great-grandsons (Mason Taylor, Jayden Couch); three great-nieces (Paislee Millimaki, Rubee Millimaki, Remi Watkins); and three great-nephews (Jaxson Millimaki, Kypen Watkins, Liam Watkins).

He was a friend to all he knew and helped anyone who needed it.  Donald would help you build a house, tear down a house, haul a load, move furniture and fix absolutely anything that was broken.  You only needed to ask and he was there!  He loved spending time with family and friends, playing with grandkids, restoring his father’s truck, piddling in his garage, and watching Alabama football.  

Our loss is heaven’s gain.  A wonderful soul was added with the passing of Donald as he broke the surely bounds of earth to touch the face of God.  Till we meet again, God’s Speed and Roll Tide Roll!

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Madison Police Foundation.