Obituary of Donald W. Medlin

Donald Wayne Medlin, 84, passed away unexpectedly in Viera, Florida, on January 26^th, with his wife Darlene by his side. Don will be remembered always by his wife of 14 years, his dear sons Keith (Lori), Kevin, Mike (Shawn), Jeff (Cindy), and Chris; his cherished grandchildren, Austin, Matthew, Marissa, Jamie, Renee, Taylor, Peyton, Delaney, Lauren, Hailey, Brian, Nikki, Christopher, and Courtney; sister, Judy, and all of his great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father Sherman, mother Madge, sister Karen, past wives Francine and Jacqueline, daughter-in-law Diana, niece Shelly, and granddaughter Sydney.

Don was born in Arbyrd, Missouri, to Sherman and Madge (Oldham) Medlin. As a small boy, he was raised in the cotton country of the Missouri Bootheel. When he was 8 years old, Don and his family moved to St. Louis, where he had a wonderful time growing up surrounded by his large, loving family. He often commented on how much he enjoyed his childhood and how fortunate he was. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, movies, and classic cars. He was baptized at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in St. Louis at 17 years of age, witnessed by the entire congregation. Together with his first wife, Fran, Don welcomed his first four boys and started a 33-year career with The International Shoe Company.

Don began a new chapter with his second wife, Jacque, lovingly welcoming her and her son, Chris, to his growing family. Together at their new home in South St. Louis, Don and Jacque invited family and friends to join them poolside every summer weekend. Don had his first major heart attack in 1983, but as a very disciplined man, he was determined to live a long, happy, and healthy life. In 1984, he received a red ribbon for finishing a 4K run at the Bevo Day festival, a hobby he had taken up in his recuperation. After retiring, Don and Jacque moved to Florida, where he continued his lifelong passion for fishing, casting his line almost every day. They built a good life in the Sunshine State with their family and their growing circle of friends.

Don was a proud charter member of Faith Viera Lutheran Church and played an active role in its construction and its early growth. He was an exemplary member of the church for over 25 years, serving as Elder, Head Usher, newsletter coordinator, and in many other capacities. After the passing of Jacque, Don remained deeply involved with FVLC. He extended his service to the community by volunteering his time and dedication as driver for Brevard County cancer patients, a position that grew to that of driver manager for the entire fleet.

Eleven years later, at the church that meant so much to him, Don met Darlene, who was singing in the choir. She and her “Mr. Wonderful” (as her entire family called him) were married on March 27^th, 2010, and Darlene joined him in being an integral part of the FVLC community. Don developed a passion for shopping for treasures, and with Darlene’s help, he operated his thriving eBay business. All in all, they created a beautiful life together. Don will be deeply missed by Darlene, the entire family, and all who knew him and were touched by him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at FVLC on February 17^th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive guests at a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall following his committal at the church’s columbarium. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Faith Viera Lutheran Church are appreciated.