     I was completely heartbroken to hear about the loss of such a great friend. From the first time we met, our souls connected, and we became kindred spirits. He used to say it was like looking in the mirror and finding the female version of him. Like me, he loved living and it was apparent that he had the good Lord and true joy in his heart. I can't imagine that anyone could meet Don and not instantly love him. Reading all the comments on this page made my heart smile so big... he was all that... and still so much more! He gave selflessly and from the heart, always had a smile for everyone, and was the same each and every time you saw him, regardless of where it was or who was around. My hopes for Don throughout our friendship was that he, like me, would find that special someone who would sweep him off his feet and make his heart leap for joy! Reading the comment of his father-in-law let me know that dream came true. Caroline, I never had the honor of meeting you, but can only imagine what a special lady you are! I know your heart must be weeping from this great loss. My prayer for you, as well as the rest of Don's family and friends, is that God will wrap his arms of love around you and give you peace and comfort that ONLY He can give and, when the loneliness and sadness feels so brutal and raw, He will replace it with precious memories.
     Rest easy my sweet friend, Don. I am so very thankful to know that this is not goodbye, but only a "see ya' later gator", because I know we will meet again one day. There is sweet peace in knowing that! 
 


Don was always a pleasure to be around. He will be very missed.

Don was truly one of a kind , he always had a smile and or a kind word to say. Over the past week I have picked up the phone several times to call for supplies. You will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.  As we walk the halls at the nursing home there are so many memories that we will have. Take your rest my friend we will miss you a great deal. My condolences to the family in this time. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord”🕊

Don,
   You will truly be missed! You were a gem!  From the day I started at Wellstar Paulding Nursing and Rehab, you welcomed me and treated me as if you knew me forever!  Always kind, funny, warm and upbeat! I will miss seeing your smiling face and all the pleasantries of interacting with you. May peace and blessing be with your family!  God bless you and may you rest in heavenly power.

Warmest Regards,
Lynda Hart 

Work is not the same without you here.  We all miss your smiling face.  Until we meet again.

Don was just all the above person and beyond. He more than once came to the stairway when I was exiting work and ask “Are you okay”. He and I always spoke about retirement because we were born the same year. He would come by my office and say You need a ride to the Social Security Office? “ lots of memories of hearing him check on everybody at work. I don’t think he missed a person checking on us daily. Don, we thought we knew your worth but now I feel that Dons worth is treasures to us all. We will never replace you and will always cherish our time with you. Thanks Don for those great memories. 

My name is Tim Toebben, I want to say Don was a good friend. I worked with Don and he taught me so much. Thank you Don for being a good friend. You will be missed. God bless the family.

Don, I don't even know where to start.  Walking through those back doors will never be the same.  I look for you each time I pass by.  You were one of a kind.  I have never met  anyone who always had a smile on their face.  Never met anyone who treated EVERYONE exactly the same.  For someone who always gave 110%,  You. Will. Be. Irreplaceable.  The laughs and jokes that we shared will be a part of my memory forever.  I knew that I could come to you when I was feeling down and you could change that in just a few seconds.  All of the "I got ya girl, don't worry about it",  "you good?",  "you need anything?", was never the same coming from anyone else.  You were sincere!!  The perfect meaning of a true friend.  I miss you so much. Rest in peace my dear friend until we meet again.   Love, Angela
#Howsyamamanem?
#ah-ite
#Iwentshopping.........
#Itsonmydesk
#Youaintright

Don was one of the first people I met when I started working at Wellstar four years ago and it seemed like he made the building shine. He spoke to me as if he had known me for years, he made me feel welcomed!! Every morning he would walk by our office with the brightest smile, and poke his head in and ask how we all were doing… and at lunch he would tell us to hurry and get some of the good soup before it was gone. My heart aches knowing that Don won’t be there to brighten up our day, but I am so thankful to have known such a kind beautiful soul. 

Don was an excellent host and would always make sure we were comfortable and well taken care of when we visited.  He was a great cook and story teller full of laughter, surprises, love and kindness.  It will not be the same at family gatherings without him.  

I will miss you Don.  I'm so sorry you had to go so soon.

Don was a  one  of a kind. He  and I were teammates in the Wellstar supply chain. He was always a joy to be around and always positive. His smile and laughter will be truly missed by his peers. Prayers to his family🙏🙏

I will always remember Don for the amazing uncle he was to me, and the rest of his nieces and nephews. I just know that he loved Caroline so incredibly much and was amazing towards her, and I thank you for that Don. I have a memory of a story he used to tell about how aunt Caroline wanted a piglet, so they went out to a trailer to look at the baby piglets. He used to tell it by acting out going up the driveway, and bouncing up and down because the driveway was made of gravel. I remember he would act out how aunt Caroline picked up the pig and dropped it, and how the people were so made. I remember he used to tell stories in such an entertaining way, that was so much fun to watch and listen to. He was such a great, and kind man that I think everyone absolutely loved. And I know for a fact that he will be missed, and forever loved by at least me. Thank you Don for everything you did for this family. 

Don was a good human being! I will miss him so much. I catch myself dialing his  extension to ask for supplies. Iam hearing his voice saying, " You got it, anything for you, I will be right back." He always delivered. 
To the family, we are praying for you for  peace and strength during this most difficult time. "psalm 91:11. He will put His angels in charge of you to guard you in all your ways"
Don your wings were ready to fly but our hearts were not. Smile,smile your way to our Father's arms, rest in peace my friend.

Don was my supervisor when I transferred to Acworth healthpark and I knew I would succeed because of his leadership skills. He was a great communicator and one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He was always full of energy and joy from the first day I met him at Douglas when we worked security together. It was a true honor and privilege to work under him. He was always willing to help me when I needed him and he taught me so much. Thank you Don. You will truly be missed and your shoes will never be filled.

I'm going to miss you Dawn, you truly were a great uncle and an even greater friend. You made happy when I was sad and much more, and for that I thank you.

Don was a good friend always eager to help. He will be greatly missed at the Nursing home, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away blessed be the name of theLord. Rest in peace Don . God bless the family

Saddened to hear of Don's passing. I've been friends with him since we were in elementary school.  A great friend and genuinely nice guy. My prayers for comfort for his family.

I consider myself very fortunate to have known Don and worked with him at Wellstar.  His personality would always brighten the room.  He was always positive and carried a big heart with genuine care for others.  Don lived a life of service as I never knew him to turn away someone in need or a situation that needed support.  We will certainly miss Don, but his memory will live on in the spirit of caring for others.

Robin Stallings

Don was a very thoughtful and caring man. I saw how much he loved my mother and his family. He always helped me anytime I needed help and he loved and accepted me into his heart ❤️.  I will really miss him . 

Brother Don, thank you for sharing your gentle love with me. I will forever treasure you true kindness and brotherly love, you touched my life in so many areas as coworker and a team player. I will never forget the great stories we shared on our breaktime,  about your ancestry ties in my native country Kenya.  RIP my friend.  

There are no words to describe the way he touched our lives here at Wellstar, he always had the time "even though we somethines stressed him out" he would catch a breath and say ok what you need, always with kindness, a listening ear, and words of encourgement, this world was a better place with him in it, 
To his loved ones, God has you in His hands during this hard season of your life. Celebrate his love and memory with light and laughter. We at Wellstar are but a phone call away should you need us...  

From the moment I met Don it was a kindle friendship with a great colleague. Don always had a smile on his face no matter. don always lent a helping hand when people needed it. A true friend and also a little college rivalry. I am going to miss him. Rest with the Lord Don!
GO DAWGS!!!

Don was a very special person. He was a great uncle and a kind and caring husband to my aunt. He gave love unconditionally and freely to all who knew him. Although he came into my life later I feel that we were always meant to know him. His smile would light up a room and his laughter was contagious. He always had a joke or funny story to tell and would cheer me up no matter what. I will forever be thankful for the time we had together. I love you so very much Don. You were a light. Know that you are loved continuously, after all “what is grief, if not love everlasting” Much love, forever and always ❤️❤️❤️

I liked Don the moment I met him. He was friendly, kind, and gentle.  I grew to love and respect him the more time I spent with him.  He was a loving husband to my sister and a doting father and grandfather.  I am terribly saddened by his death and I will miss him. 

I will always remember Don as a loving uncle. His kindness towards our family, and undeniable love for Caroline made him impossible not to appreciate. Though his time in my life was short I will always remember him as what he was, a kind person who always made me smile. I will miss him, but the joy he caused our family will always be there. 

Don was loved;  The soldiers he served and served with, the hospital staff, and everybody he met; young and old alike. He married our daughter Caroline. We all loved Don and I feel sure that he loved us. He was cheerful, laughing, compassionate man. I remember we were riding together before the marriage was finalized. Just the two of us, and he asked for my permission –as the father—to marry my daughter Caroline. He told me he loved her and I asked if he would always respect her. And he said “yes sir”—a habit left over from the genteel south. I liked it.
Don was/is a child of God. The God who made him and kept him through dangerous situations, who brought him into our lives, loves him. We are never only one thing.   But we are forgiven and need only claim that forgiveness—which we claim now for Don.  None of us is perfect. All of us are loved.
In the movie, “A river Runs through it”, the younger son of a presbyterian minister in the early days of Montana, got in a lot of trouble because of his gambling addiction. He owed money to the wrong people and it ended in tragedy for him.  But he was deeply loved. At his funeral people commented on his job, his fishing skills etc.  The Father, who was devastated by his death blurted out “he was more than that—he was beautiful”. 
Don was also more—he was beautiful and we love him.


Sathy  Shankar
Colleague

Don you always had smile on your face, you were friendly, kind and helpful to me.   Few weeks ago  we shared  some Army experiences
I enjoyed talking with you, you are a beautiful soul ,you will be greatly missed , rest in peace, my prayers with your loving family.
  


What is the definition of friend? "Don" He was that and more to us all. I thank God for the years we had with Don.  Like clock work before going home he would always stop by my office to make sure that I was okay.  To his family I want to let you know how special he was. He will truly be missed.  To be absent in body is to present with the LORD.  Rest in peace my friend.   Linda

I only worked with you for 3 years but you were one of the sweetest people I've met.you will be truly missed and no one will ever replace the person you were.

No matter what our differences were, you were always there for me and the kids. I am so grateful you were the other half of my children! Finally,  I had someone to be excited about having a grandchild with! I promise little Theo will know how much you loved him. Your first grandchild/grandson,  I've never seen any Grandpa more excited!

Theo’s first Christmas with his grandfather 🎄

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the wounded warrior project—an initiative that provides a variety of supports for veterans who have been physically or psychologically injured during their time of military service:

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/


It is so hard to come to terms with the fact that we will never see Don again. Don was one of a kind and nobody will ever be able to fill his shoes. Always in good spirit, treated everybody with so much kindness and respect despite their race, background or age. Every time I called him for some supplies all he said was "I got you" and he always delivered. My sincere condolences goes out to his family and friends. May we all take a page from Don's book and continue to treat each other like Don treated everybody. May his soul rest in peace. He will surely be missed forever and always.

Don,  I'm going to miss you buddy. I will miss your sense of humor, your laugh and all of the good times we had on and off the clock. The guys trips will not be the same without you. I love you brother. Till we meet again. 

I always spoke to Don whenever I was at Paulding nursing home. Always smiling and happy. Easy to talk to. I’m heartbroken and truly shocked. He will be missed. God bless your family.

Am going to miss his smiles,he is was always ready to help with anything when it comes to work related issues.when you down he cheers you up. he will be greatly missed.. may his wonderful soul rest in peace.... 

Don. I will miss seeing and talking to you. You were such a caring person. Whenever I needed anything you were always willing to get it done.  Always eager to assist and lend  a helping hand. You were one of a kind that cannot be replaced in my eyes.  You will be truly missed forever. RIP Don, until we meet again.

Don, work will never be the same. I will miss our daily talks and our laughs. You were one of a kind and a genuine awesome friend and coworker. You were such a dedicated and hard working person and always gave 100%. We all will miss you deeply. Rest In Peace my friend until we meet again. 

Don I'm going to miss you so much.  You brought such warmth and joyful cheers into each and everyone of our lives. I'm going to miss you calling, and telling me what meal of the day is by, saying soup line calling.  It brings tears into my heart ❤ when I know  that every time I look down at the end of the hallway.  That I will never get to see your cheerful smile,  and generous wave 👋 waving as I enter my office.   You was a good hearted person to us all, and you're going to be very well  much missed by us all.  I'm going miss you buddy. RIP! ...My friend. 


Don I will miss you singing parts of lyrics to me as  I walk the halls and having me guess the rest... I will also miss hearing.. Yeah, I know right? You will be sincerely missed!!!!  Sending heartfelt love and God's blessings to your family. RIP my sweet friend❤️

My friend and brother,  I will miss you. You were a fun person to be around with. You always make me laugh. Whenever I needed something, you always said, "You got it". No tears can bring you back; we love you so much, but God loves you the most . Rest well, my friend. 

Don was a wonderful friend and I miss him so much.  Our day started with a smile, laugher or a morning talk . I  will miss his support and humor.  He was my football buddy as he would say "Rise Up ". So many of us at Paulding residents and coworkers share so many awesome memories ❤️ 
I am praying for your family to find healing through the Lord’s infinite love. Lend Him your worries and take comfort that He is always by your side.
Although we may not understand the tragedies in life, we are always in the Lord’s hands. We’re praying that you find healing comfort
May you find strength and healing from the eternal love of our Lord God. He is with us even through our darkest hours.




Don was so genuine. He was so caring, always willing to lend a hand, and had a great smile on his face at all times. I enjoyed working with him and I am truly going to miss seeing his smiling face. Rest easy my friend. Praying for his family. 

Don was a great example and reflection of how Christ instructs us to live. I am truly blessed and honored to have work with and create a brotherhood with an amazing person! You will be truly missed my brother! My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all the people Don blessed with his amazing spirit! Always much love and respect my friend!!🙏🏾💙

Don was one of the good ones!  He was always positive, cheerful, and we always shared a good laugh about something. I am lucky and grateful that our paths crossed during our time. Rest easy my friend until we meet again, you will truly be missed. 

We @ WPN&R will miss seeing you Don. We’ll carry you forever in our hearts. RIP

Don you will be greatly missed. Your smile your kindness was unsurpassed. You were always there when we needed you. No one can replace you. We thank God for putting you in our lives and the impact you had in our work place, making our lives easier. Dance with the angels and rest in peace till we meet again. Always loved forever in our hearts.

Our dear Don exited this life too soon. You were always willing and ready to lend a helping hand. Your kindness will always be remembered Buddy. Your touch is already missed. You left an indelible mark on us @ WPN&R. You rendered personalized service to everyone with your famous phrase  “just for you.” I’ll continue to mourn with the blessed hope of being reunited with you and other friends and families who’ve also exited this life.
To your family, sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing Don with us. May God’s love and grace continue to sustain each and every one of you during this very difficult and sad time. 
You were a friend to all your colleagues Don.  Rest on my friend, until that day when mortality shall put on immortality and the dead shall be raised incorruptible!!!

Don, you will be missed more than you will ever know. You were a great friend to everyone.  We are all devastated by your passing. We don’t know what to do without you.  You always made me smile, even on some of my roughest days.  Wellstar paulding nursing and rehab will never be the same. 💔 Our hearts are broken. 💔. Til we meet again .

You changed our world. You were our angel on earth. Nothing was too much to ask, you always responded with care and respect. We are blessed to have shared our lives with you. Thank you for all you gave with a smile and an effortless ability. You my friend are irreplaceable. God speed. 

It’s a wedge to the green  🏌🏻

Don was a real one! I am better for having known him, and will never forget our days working together in security at Wellstar. Prayers for all his friends and family in such a difficult time. Rest easy my friend! 

I’m going to miss you so much. You made my days so much better working with you. You were always so good at cheering me up on my bad days. You will be so missed by all of us at Wellstar Pauling nursing and rehab. Im so glad I could always call you a friend not just someone we worked with Rest In Peace my friend. Till I see you again. You’re great work on this earth is done. 💙

OBITUARY

Edwin Ladon Finch

September 22, 1957 – January 14, 2022

Owen Funeral Home

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