Obituary of Donald William Carl

Donald Carl (Don), 93, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully, at home, on Monday, September 3, 2018.   He was the fifth child of John W. and Grace D. Carl of Chazy, NY.  Don is predeceased by his parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers and his eldest son, David Carl.

During World War II, Don served in the field artillery of the 76^th Infantry Division in Europe as part of General Patton’s Third Army.  In 1955, he and his young family relocated from Schenectady, New York to Roanoke with General Electric, where he was employed for 25 years.  Subsequently, Don managed a statewide association of small businesses, the Virginia Automotive Association, for thirteen years.

Having grown up on a farm, Don never lost his green thumb for a bountiful garden, which he shared with neighbors.  They, in turn, respected his passion for bluebirds, daffodils and Stroh’s beer.  Don had an extraordinary love for the outdoors and nature, spending many weekends and vacations with his family camping, canoeing, hiking and sightseeing attractions of natural beauty and historic significance.  Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife throughout the U.S., parts of Canada and Europe.  Don strove for perfection in all of his undertakings and the results showed.  He also pursued a lifelong personal fitness program long before President John Kennedy urged the nation to get fit by jogging.  Don was a dedicated father, grandfather, great grandfather and all-weather friend.  He will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Pauline; children, Christina, Nita (daughter-in-law), Douglas (Jeanie), Rodney (Sherry) and Cindy.  Don leaves behind grandchildren; Mark (Olga), Tina (Rolf), Melinda (Ben), Melissa, Stephanie (Cory), Jackie (Bobby), Emily (Austin) and Spencer; and step-grandchildren; Sadonna (Chris) and Joseph.  Also surviving are great-grandchildren; Benjamin, Zachary, Leonard and Paul; a sister; Betty and brother; Lindy (Leatrice); as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of the Salem Veteran Affairs Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program, Home Instead Senior Care and Amedysis Hospice for the services provided to help fulfill Dad’s wish to remain in his home until his passing.  Heartfelt appreciation is extended to his special caregivers of the past 2 ½ years, Carol, Leslie and Jane; and to Nancy, his HBPC nurse.  Your dedicated, loving, compassionate care made his last years immensely more comfortable and fun, at times, and was greatly appreciated by him and his family.

There will be a private family inurnment at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Don’s memory. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707