Donald F. Feldner

We mourn the loss of Donald F. Feldner, who passed on Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida after an extended illness.

Donald was born in Noble County, Ohio, in 1934, son of the late Henry and Mary (Love) Feldner. He grew up on a farm and spent his childhood hunting raccoons, chasing frogs and raising a ruckus with his brothers and sisters Paul, Edward, Charles, Gary, John, & Betty, who have predeceased him.

He is survived by one sister, Shirley Butler of Thornville, Ohio, whom he dearly loved; his son and daughter in law, Donald P. and Loretta (Hryciak) Feldner, of Jacksonville, Florida, and his grandson Aaron Oyler of Denison, Ohio.

As a young man, Don joined the Marines in 1953 and soon was 6,000 miles from home in Korea, freezing in a tent and praying for biscuits and warm feet. He attained the rank of corporal before his honorable discharge in 1955.

In 1956, a pretty redhead named Bonnie Bates caught his eye and they married that June. Their relationship spanned six decades and produced two children, Dona (Slutz) of Bowerston, deceased, and Donald “Phil” Feldner. Bonnie preceded him in death on March 22, 2018.

For decades, Don worked draglines and heavy equipment throughout the mines in Ohio. It was not uncommon for him to work 60 hour weeks. He finally retired at age 82 but considered going part time at age 85!

Don was a simple guy who enjoyed the outdoors, his horses, and a hot slab of cornbread with a good cup of coffee. He never met a biscuit or hunting dog he didn’t like, and became quite the baker later in life. He also loved his motorcycle and talked about buying a new one at age 89 for a final road trip.

In 2020, he moved down to sunny Florida to live with his son Phil. Despite failing health, he enjoyed surf fishing, canoe trips on the Suwannee River, and many nights having grilled oysters with ice cold beer, his favorite.

Don wasn’t wealthy but he shared whatever he had with those in need. He was generous and tender hearted to the end. He could also be a firecracker who did not suffer fools, particularly those in the medical profession.  He had many friends and family who loved him and will miss him.

Quiet by nature, he had a wicked sense of humor and despite multiple health problems never uttered a complaint. An outrageous flirt, he shocked his hospice nurse by asking her if she wanted to go for coffee “after he got outta this joint”! Obviously, Don was an optimist as well.

We will miss this amazing Dad, brother, and friend. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home in Sherrodsville, Ohio. A Memorial Service honoring his life, officiated by Rev. Tom Rodgers, will begin at 6:00 P.M. in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Donations in Don's memory be made to the Morris Hospice Care Center,  555 8th Street West, Jacksonville, FL 32209.

Baxter-Gardner
(740)-269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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