Don was born June 25, 1932 in Farmington, Illinois to the late Albert C. Schoonover and the late Josephine A. Tunis. Don was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Narka Schoonover; a grandchild, Sabrina Clark. He is survived by his wife, Betty Vaughn; his children, Debra Schoonover Fleck (Paul), Steve Schoonover (Madonna), and Kristi Schoonover (Dail); also the mother of his children, Yvonne Schoonover; he is also survived by a stepson, Russ Vaughn; one stepdaughter, Karen Vaughn Burns (Bill); his five grandchildren, Ryan and Ashley Fleck, Maria Schoonover (Clint Wagner), Joseph Clark, and Kayla Pride; his four step grandchildren, Will Burns (Kate), Jack Burns (Melody), Sally Burns, and Tripp Vaughn; seven great grandchildren, Stetson Wagner, Novia and Luke Clark, Ethan and Elijah Ridgeway, Eva Winland, and Emily Thomas; one step-great grandchild Dottie Burns; one brother, Randy Schoonover. Also a cousin, Peggy Meyer survives.
Don grew up on a farm in southern Illinois. After graduating from Farmington High School in 1950, he went to work as a machinist for the Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, IL. In 1952, he then joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. Don served his country with honor until 1955. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he attended the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO from 1955-58. He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He later received his Professional Engineering license.
After Don’s graduation, he started working at Union Carbide in Paducah, KY as an engineer. From 1962-67, Don had the opportunity to work at Pratt &Whitney in Jupiter, FL where he took great pride in assisting with the design of the engine for the Air Force SR71-Blackbird. In 1967, Don then returned to work with Union Carbide in Marietta, OH as an engineer and retired from there in 1977. After retirement, he purchased a farm in Macksburg, OH and became self-employed as a farmer where he enjoyed getting back to working with his hands.
In 1995, Don was a part-time resident of Fort Myers, FL where he cared for his aging father. During this time he met and married Betty Vaughn in 1999, they began their life together in Cape Coral, FL. They then relocated to McIntosh County, GA in 2002, where he assisted in the construction of their home and became an active and dedicated member of his community. He served as the Chairman of McIntosh County Tax Assessors, Chairman of the Darien United Methodist Church’s Finance Committee for 5 years, a primary volunteer for the Old Jail Art Center renovation, and a board member of Springfield Plantation HOA.
Don was known for his outgoing personality, active lifestyle, caring nature and positive outlook. He made many friends in many circles throughout his life. Some of the organizations he was a member of were the Shriners, Elks, American Legion and the Live Oak Masonic Lodge. He was also an amateur ham radio operator and a member of the Metter Road Runners camping group. He had a passion for sailing which prompted him to get his Captain’s license. He also loved fishing, woodworking, restoring old cars and his beloved companion, Charlie the dog.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Morgan’s Chapel in Townsend, Georgia with Pastor Larry Stricklin officiating.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Golden Isles and BrightStar for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s memory to Morgan’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 3308 Shellman Bluff Rd NE, Townsend, GA 31331.
Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com
