Donald Lee Weidner

Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer (TDC), Donald Lee Weidner, 78, went to be with God on the afternoon of December 13, 2011 following extended treatment in local Pensacola hospitals. He had been hospitalized continuously since September with multiple complications. Son of George W. and Florence (Conklin) Weidner, he was born December 11, 1933, Springfield, Ohio. After high school, he enlisted in the navy and completed tours at NATTC Millington, Tennessee, NAS Corey and Ellyson Fields, Pensacola, Florida, NAS Trinidad, NAS Okinawa, and a twilight cruise at Amphibious School, Little Creek, Virginia. He earned his Masters Degree in Education from Memphis State University while stationed at NATTC, Millington, Tennessee. As civil servant, he later earned his Doctorate in Education from University of West Florida in Pensacola. Desiring to continue serving his country, he spent the next 20 years at Naval Air Rework Facility, Pensacola, as a member of Desert Storm Field Team, California Community College and Pensacola Junior College as Adjunct Professor of Avionics. He retired from civil service in July 1983. Survived by his wife Evelyn Faye (Roberson) Weidner, the couple was married 53 years and had one daughter, Donna Faye Gross of Pensacola. All are resident members at Olive Baptist Church where Don was active as deacon, director of Adult Sunday School Department, and choir member. In addition to his wife, daughter, and son-in-law Jerry Gross, Don is survived by a granddaughter, Gabriella. Don’s brother Robert and sister Brenda Farley reside in Springfield, Ohio; his brother Douglas resides in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and sister Nancy DuPertius, Atlanta, Georgia. Funeral services at Olive Baptist Church will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 19, 2011 with Drs. Ted Traylor and Jerry Passmore officiating. The body will lie in state for viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers will be Dr. Larry Morris, Clyde Parazine, Jim McGee, Pete Wells, Charles Cannon, Tom Stewart, Jerald Miller, and Richard Ardoin. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Olive Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Flowers will be accepted but donations may be made to Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South Cantonment is in charge of arrangements. Please express your condolences at www.fcfhs.com.

Tributes

Donald Lee Weidner

December 11, 1933 - December 13, 2011