Donald Eugene Kirkendall

Donald “Don” Eugene Kirkendall, 79, of Lake Mary, Florida, went home to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 13, 2018 under the care of Hospice of the Comforter at Florida Hospital-Altamonte, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He battled the pancreatic cancer that wretched the quality of his life for eight and one-half months after diagnosis. Don was born on May 20, 1939 in Monroe Township, Ohio to Ray William and Wilma Jean (Gerarde) Kirkendall. Don is survived by “The Love of His Life” of 35 years, Lillian “Ann” Minnick Kirkendall; his daughter Nicki (Mark) Ziska, Dunkirk, MD; two grandchildren, Alexandra Ziska (Jason Younes), New Windsor, NY; and Kirk Ziska, Dunkirk, MD. Don is also survived by his siblings Dick (JoAnne) Kirkendall, Van Wert, OH; Larry (Ginny) Kirkendall, Ottawa, OH; Kay (Gordon) Roberts, Reading, MI; Steve (Camille) Kirkendall, Liberty Township, OH and numerous nieces and nephews in MD and OH. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lynn (2016); his half-sister, Kathleen Giesey and Ann and Don's faithful Westie, "Taffy" in 2002. Don graduated from Continental High School in Continental, OH. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business from Wright State University in Dayton, OH and his Masters in Public Administration from American University in Washington, D.C. He attained Lifetime Membership in the Association of Government Accountants where he was elected as a National President. He was also a Lifetime Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with The Institute of Internal Auditors headquartered in Lake Mary. Don honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for seven years. Following two enlistments, he continued his upward mobility in the federal government as a civilian accumulating 37 years before retiring in 1993. His final position being a U.S. Presidential Appointee as the Inspector General for the U. S. Treasury Department appointed by President George H.W. Bush. Don stated numerous times that he loved going to work every day of his life. Don loved playing golf for over 40 years and watched all types of sports on TV. He was an avid Washington, D.C. Redskins (football) fan and followed the Detroit Tigers (baseball) and Ohio State University Buckeyes (football and basketball). He spent many weekends cheering on his favorite teams and PGA golfers. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of Ann and Don’s church of 10 years, Sanlando United Methodist Church (SUMC), 1890 W. State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750 followed by a luncheon in Fellowship Hall by Ann’s United Methodist Women sisters. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s honor may be made to the SUMC Building Renovation Fund (address above) or to Florida Hospital Foundation Hospice of the Comforter, 6th Floor 550 East Rollins St., Orlando, FL 32803-9912 or give online at www.HospiceOfTheComforter/GratefulHearts Please express your messages of comfort to Don’s family and friends at www.degusipefuneralhome.com

Donald Eugene Kirkendall

May 20, 1939 - September 13, 2018