Donald R Rollins

Donald R. Rollins of St. Augustine, FL left us unexpectedly on April 12, 2023, just three days after his 87th birthday. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis (née Wasik) Rollins, the true love of his life. He is survived by his three children: son Donald Rollins Jr. of Hastings, FL; daughter Lydia Callender and son-in-law Keith Callender of Lowden, IA; and daughter Stacey Rollins of Satellite Beach, FL, as well as two grandchildren Tessa and Jacob Callender of Lowden, IA and two great-grandchildren Aurora Callender (Tessa's daughter) and Palmer Callender (Jacob's daughter).
Donald was born to Charles and Cleo Rollins in Fort Worth, TX on April 9, 1936. He moved to the great city of Chicago with his mother and grew up in the Florence Hotel, located in the Historic Pullman District. He met Phyllis Wasik while attending Fenger High school and often waited along her bus route just to wave and watch her pass by. After serving in the Navy from 1953-1957, Don later married Phyllis on June 3, 1961. They lived in Riverdale, IL for eleven years until 1973, when they moved to Naperville, IL. It was here that they raised their family for 30 years before relocating to St. Augustine, FL to live life without those Midwest winters.
Donald worked as an Illinois Bell Installation Technician for 30 years in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Never one to sit still, he joined the US Army Reserve, serving for 35 years. He retired in 1996 as a Sergeant Major in the 12th Special Forces Group which is often referred to as the Green Berets. He had numerous accreditations during that time.
Don and Phyllis retired to St. Augustine FL in 2003. During Don's retirement he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, H & R Block, and was an active member of the Elks Club. Don and Phyllis loved dancing, going to the theater and were both definitely card sharks.
There will be a double celebration on June 3rd in St. Augustine at their home - a celebration of Don's incredible life and their 61st Wedding Anniversary. We hope you can join us. Because no one loved a party more than Don & Phyllis.