Donald Warren DeJong, PhD.
Youngsville
Donald Warren DeJong, Ph.D., 83, of Youngsville passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston, NC surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Doon,Iowa, one of four children born to the late Rev. John and Margaret DeJong.
After earning a double Bachelor's degree in Biology and History from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI in 1951, Donald served as a High School teacher in Guam and on Truk Island from 1955 through 1959. He earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia in 1965 and worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a plant physiologist and research chemist at labs in Berkley, CA, Oxford, NC, and Beltsville, MD. During his career, he also worked for International Harvester in Chicago, IL. Donald retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1991.
Donald, a Fulbright Scholar, lectured at conferences in the U.S.A. and abroad which fulfilled lifelong passions for traveling, studying history, and experiencing other cultures. Upon his retirement he was invited by colleagues to create a new research lab at the University of Izmir, in Turkey, where he and his wife lived for 18 months in 1992-1993.
As a scientist, Donald had a great interest in learning about God's creation and growing things. On their farm in Youngsville, he and his family planted a vineyard, orchards, and gardens, and he served on the N.C. Wine and Grape Growers Council, and the N.C. Beekeepers Association.
Donald was a lifetime follower of Jesus Christ, a man of strong faith, and most recently was attending Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville. He is survived by his wife, Arlene Westra DeJong, his son, Glenn DeJong of Merritt Island, FL, and his daughters, Cheryl Garner of Wake Forest, Laurie Gartland and Donna Murphy of Raleigh, Karen Kozel of LaGrange, his brother, John DeJong of Wenatchee, WA, and his sister, Eunice Dejong Lanting of Grand Rapids, MI. Donald and Arlene have 43 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service honoring his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, November 14, 2013 at Providence Baptist Church, 6339 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh with Rev. David Horner officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Prisms Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Creation Research Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd., Petersburg, KY, 41080, 888-582-4253.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
"Make you the world a bit better because you have lived in it." - Edward Bock
My thoughts are with the entire DeJong family during this time.
Mike Wamsley
November 15, 2013
The world has lost quite a man...first of all a wonderful husband and second of all a dear Dad, Grandpa and GreatPa! The world has also lost an incredibly brilliant scientist. The world of politics has lost a very patriotic fellow in the republican party. The international community has lost an educator! What more can I say?
How honored Al and I were to have gotten to know Don as a result of your living in Izmir! We spent many a day there together...in one of our most favorite cities....So glad that I was able to see you once again a few years ago in Izmir.
Now I say, Rest in Peace dear Don....we shall miss you, but will know that you ARE at Arlene's side and I am sure she knows that.
Missing you Arlene....take care and may your tears soon reveal smiles and memories.
Linda & Al Scharff
November 15, 2013
As a young man new in his faith, Don DeJong served me and others of my generation as an exemplar of Christ-centered godliness. Kathy and I are sad to hear of his passing and are praying for Don's family in their grief.
Charlie Lehardy
November 13, 2013
It was a privilege to know Don. He was a great asset to his community. I enjoyed working with him during elections. My prayers and thoughts are with the family!
Lisa Goswick
November 13, 2013
Don was not only a strong Christian man, but a dear friend whom we have known for some 40+ years. He will be sorely missed.
Benton & Brenda Ham
November 13, 2013
Sincere condolences to all the Dejong family with thanksgiving for a life well lived for Christ. You will surely see him again.
Edie Szyperski
November 13, 2013
I always considered Don a dear friend for the 40 years that we knew each other, and I never would have thought that the Lord would call him home so soon after enjoying brunch together on November 3. We shared many interests including reading and traveling, but most of all our interest in seeing Jesus Christ held on high in our lives and the lives of our families.
Our condolences and sympathies go out to Don's families - Arlene, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren - and pray for the Almighty Comforter to comfort at this time of loss, knowing that we will see him again when we join him for all eternity!!
Praise God!
Dave and Pat Waters
November 13, 2013
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