Donald Halcom

Donald Halcom ObituaryDonald Bruce Halcom, 87, of Erie passed away July 20, 2025 at the LECOM Hospice Unit. Born on December 11th, 1937 in Paducah, Kentucky, Donald was the son of Lee Roy Halcom and Lottie Mae Childress Halcom. Donald earned a bachelor's degree in 1961 in chemical engineering at the University of Illinois, and ultimately received his PhD in 1981 from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Donald worked as a chemical engineer for over 36 years, mostly working in research and development at Calsicat in Erie. He finally retired from BASF in 1999. Donald married his beloved wife, Judith Carol Ann Krkoska, on October 3th, 1981, at the Saint Vincent Hospital Chapel in Erie, PA. What followed were countless precious moments together, joined at the hip WITH LOTS OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER!!!!
Don enjoyed photography and sailing, and was known for his tremendous sense of humor. His favorite quotes included, "Don't expect in life that everyone has good intentions," "It is what it is, and you have to live with it," and "3/4 of life is absurd, so don't sweat the small stuff."
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother in 2019, Jack Lee Halcom, and his best friend since the fourth grade in 2024, Larry Mittendorf. Don maintained a special friendship over many lunch get togethers with Dave Rodgers, remembering the good old days at Calsicat. Don is survived by Judy, his beloved wife of 43 blissful years, and several nieces and nephews.
Donald and Judy are so grateful for the many blessings sent by God and the tremendous outpouring of love and support from not only family, friends, neighbors, clergy but total strangers in helping us during a challenging journey of life. In particular, our appreciation goes to the LECOM Visiting Nurses Association Hospice staff and the staff of the LECOM Hospice Unit. In particular, we want to express our special thanks and love to our FANTASTIC ANGELS, hospice nurses, Emily and Tracie, Dr. Carter, our hospice physician, and Ruthie, our hospice phonesupporter volunteer. They all have gone far beyond what one would normally expect and had always been there through every step of the many challenges that were faced.
Visitation will be at the Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory Inc, 2502 Sassafras St. on Saturday, August 2nd from 3pm until the time of the service at 5pm officiated by Reverend Rebecca Lash-close friend of Judy and Don. A display of Don's photography talent will be included.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the University of Illinois Foundation at 303 St. Mary's Rd. MC-386, Champaign, Illinois, 61820. Please designate it as a donation for Donald Halcom for chemical engineering scholarships for the needy at Urbana Champaign campus (Thanks to an anonymous donor, all donations will be matched). Donald and Judy will eventually be buried together at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Also, a celebration of life get together will be held on October 3, 2025 (which would be the 44th anniversary of Judy and Don's marriage).
To to the family or in memory of Donald, please .
Donald Bruce Halcom, 87, of Erie passed away July 20, 2025 at the LECOM Hospice Unit. Born on December 11th, 1937 in Paducah, Kentucky, Donald was the son of Lee Roy Halcom and Lottie Mae Childress Halcom. Donald earned a bachelor's degree in 1961 in chemical engineering at the University of Illinois, and ultimately received his PhD in 1981 fro