Donald Lee Trussell

1946 - 2016

Donald Lee Trussell

Donald Lee Trussell (69) passed away at home on Saturday, March 12, 2016, after a brave battle with mesothelioma. He was born in Tampa on June 1, 1946 to the late Margaret Manelli Trussell and Harold Hobart Trussell. He lived in Tampa until 1958 when his family moved to Woodville. After graduating from Leon High School in 1965, he joined the Air Force and was stationed with the 657th Radar Site at the Houma Air Force Base in Louisiana and spent 1967-1968 in Pleiku and Da Nang, Viet Nam. He also spent two years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He graduated from Florida State University. He worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for 35 years and retired as a Certified Professional Environmental Auditor in Health and Safety. He also spent 24 years serving as a Reserve Officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Donald was a 6th degree black belt in judo, senior instructor, and nationally certified coach; he loved working with kids to master the sport and most importantly to positively guide them with life skills such as respect, loyalty, discipline, dedication, commitment, and focus; he loved to share his knowledge, experience, and love of the sport with others of all ages; he was one of the founding members of Leon County Judo and Apalachee Martial Arts.

Donald is survived by his true love and soulmate Marianne Aubel Trussell, two children Renee Edwards (West) and Robert Vos II (Pearl), four grandchildren Dylan and Mason Edwards and Maddox and Robert Vos III who adored their grandpa/"Pi". He is also survived by three brothers, Frank Trussell (Vickie), Ronald Collins (Betty Jo), Floyd de'Montmollin, Jr. (Cyrinda), and one sister Rita Shivers (Gary) and his much loved nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles in the Tampa area. Donald never met a stranger and everyone he met soon became a friend. He saw only the good in people and was quick to help anyone in need. His memory will be treasured and preserved by the many people who love and admire him especially Marianne who loved him with all her heart and then some, and who will remember him for the love and humor that he brought to everyone who knew and met him.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at Bevis Funeral Home, 2710 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service. Please bring your favorite picture with Donald to share on our memory board.

Interment with full military honors will be at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32311 on Friday, March 25, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Tallahassee National Cemetery Support Committee, 5105 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32311 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. Special thanks and recognition to Angie and Alison and to Dr. Carlos Campo and Dr. Mark Saunders for all they did for us during this long journey. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)