Donald Eller Crigger, 76, died peacefully at Flagler Hospital hospice surrounded by his family on Friday, January 25, 2013. He was born on July 2, 1936 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia to Eulis and Ethel Crigger. He graduated from Parkersburg High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from West Virginia University on a gymnastics scholarship. Donald served his country as an Army Engineer for 20 years. His career included 2 tours of Vietnam and a Bronze Star medal earned in combat before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement from active duty he was an instructor for the Department of the Army where he earned a Masters Degree in Engineering and served another 20 years before retiring permanently to Palm Coast, Florida. He was an avid golfer, traveler, and collector of trinkets. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and camaraderie with his fellow Soldiers, golfing buddies, and wandering clansmen. Donald is survived by his children, Kathryn and Kelly; his grandchildren Katie, Christoph, Conor, Gavin, and Sydney; his brother Jack; his sisters Betty, Maxine, and Libby; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Flagler Hospice Center where he passed or his golf club, The Cypress Knoll Course at Grand Club in Palm Coast. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 30, at 11 a.m. at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home. A private burial will be held on Friday. For online condolences go to:www.craigflaglerpalms.com "online obituaries". Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.
Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on January 27, 2013
