Donald Idle

Donald Frank Idle CHARLOTTE - It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Frank Idle announces his peaceful passing at home in his sleep on January 31, 2018, at the age of 88. Born on October 29, 1929 the day of the infamous stock market crash in Newark, Ohio to Gertie and John Idle, Don lived a full and wonderful life. Don will be remembered with love by his wife of 67 years Claire, and his children, Kristy (Ritch) and Leslie (Carl). He'll also be forever remembered by his grandchildren, Ashley (Dave), Sarah Kathryn, and his two great-grandchildren, Holden and Emerson. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Otis and Betty. Growing up in Newark, Ohio, Don was a high school athlete and a track and cross country star, earning himself a spot in the top 10 in the state. He attended Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio on a track scholarship until the passing of his father and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After returning to Newark, he married Claire in 1950 and joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation where he enjoyed a 28-year career that included a transfer that moved his family to Fairfield, Connecticut. After leaving Westinghouse, Don and Claire moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and Don started his own company, successfully running DISCO Sales until his retirement. Don was a loving, caring, and thoughtful man, husband, and father. In his younger years, he donated countless units of blood and platelets for strangers and regularly delivered Meals on Wheels to those unable to go out on their own. He was a DeMolay and a recipient of the Legion of Honor, the degree of Chevalier, and the Blue Honor Key. At the age of 19 he became a State Master Counselor for the state of Ohio. He was such a believer in DeMolay he started a successful chapter in Grove City, Ohio. Later, in Charlotte, he was head usher at St Stephens for many years, a member of the Men's Club, and frequent participant in Bible Study. While he was able, Don enjoyed running, playing tennis, and fixing whatever needed fixing. He was an active man and a friend to all. After retirement, Don once wrote, "Life goes on. Now I'm home doing what needs to be done around here and all is well. It's been a good life. I tried to be a good husband and dad and Pop-pop. What more is there." Indeed, what more? Don was the best of them all. A celebration of Don's life will be held on Sunday, February 11, at 2:30pm at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Rd., Charlotte, NC 28270. More information can be found at www.donaldidle.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don's memory to St. Stephen Methodist Church Pastor's Relief, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or Hospice Palliative of Charlotte. A special thank you to Visiting Angels and Hospice Palliative of Charlotte for their care and companionship.