Donald G. Donlon

DON DONLON 

Beloved husband of Diane Donlon (nee Fahrig) for 43 years. Proud and loving father of Chris Higginbotham (Rick), Joe Donlon (Kathy), and Missy Donlon. Proud and loving Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Don was proceeded in death by his parents Jack and Sylvie Donlon and his sister Jackie Stech. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.

Raised in South St. Louis, Don developed an interest in sports and music at a young age. Drums were his instrument of choice.

Don was a high school football official for 36 years and a lifetime member of Central States Officials Association. He was awarded the NFIOA Missouri Official of the Year in 1997.

Don was an employee of McDonnell Douglas for 35 years in the Graphic Arts Department. He also worked in the Recreation Department umpiring softball leagues. He retired in 1995. Upon retirement he and his wife Diane moved to St. Petersburg, Florida.

Don played in a senior soft ball league and volunteered at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. Along with his wife he enjoyed big band music, dancing, throwing darts, and attending Spring Training Baseball at Al Lang Stadium. He was not pleased when the Cardinals moved to Jupiter.

Returning to Missouri in 2005, Don (diagnosed with Parkinson's) and Diane became active members of the St. Peters Parkinson's Support Group. This support group along with the APDA (American Parkinson's Disease Association-St. Louis Chapter) provided knowledge and understanding of Parkinsons, information on services and resources provided and most importantly camaraderie and friendships with those who know and understand the disease, the role of caregivers and the obstacles both experience. Don wrote several inspirational and motivational poems for the group.

Don served in the U. S Army Reserves from 1957-1963.

Many thanks to the staff and residents of Mount Carmel Senior Living and SSM-Health Hospice for their care and caring.

Memorials may be made in Don's name to American Parkinson's Disease Association, St. Louis Chapter.