Donald Paul Schultz

Donald Paul Schultz [Don, Dr. Don, Dad, Opa, Big Brother] passed away at Columbus Hospice in Columbus, GA, on February 24, 2025, at the age of 95.
Don was born February 7, 1930, in Detroit, MI, to the late Albert W. and Elfrieda W. (Neinas) Schultz. Don was baptized, confirmed, and extremely happy to have always been a very active member of a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregation. He graduated from Detroit Lutheran High School in 1947. Don served in the Army Co "C" 7th Tank Bn and Army Reserves as a vehicle driver from Sep 20, 1948, to Sep 26, 1955, when he received an Honorable Discharge. Don married Marion Ahlers in 1951 and they had a daughter, Leann. Tragically Marion passed away in August 1952. Don graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from Concordia Lutheran Teachers College in River Forest in 1954 which is where he met his wife of just over 60 years, Marge. They had three sons, Mark, Carl + Kurt and one daughter, Lois, who
died in infancy.
After college graduation, Don taught school and was the Acting Principal at St. Stephens Lutheran School in Detroit, MI. He wanted to teach high school but instead changed careers after receiving a 2 yr Nat'l Defense Education Award/fellowship from the Univ.Of GA in Athens, GA, followed by a call from Auburn University for a full 3 yr fellowship and stipend. The Dean waived him getting a master's due to his previous life experiences so he went directly to receiving his PhD in Plant Physiology from Auburn in 1967. He was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He moved the family to Columbia, MO, where he did his post-doctorate work at the University and was hired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After 1 year, he transferred to the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery where he worked as a Chemist for 8 years. The rest of his career finishing in
Atlanta, he worked as an Ecologist dealing with environmental contaminants.
Don retired with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1992 but stayed active in church, farming and Boy Scouts. Although Don was never a Boy Scout growing up, he became involved when his sons left Cub Scouts and started Boy Scouts. Don was involved as a volunteer with scouting for over 50 years and rec'd numerous certificates and awards including The Silver Beaver Award and The Council Alumnus of the Year Award. He was a Scoutmaster, on staff at Nat'l Jamborees, led Wood Badge courses (the Doctorate of scout training for adults), and mentored countless scouts and adults. He was an Olympic Torch Bearer in Pine Mountain for the 1996 Olympics.
Don donated the 100-year-old rusty corn silo from his farm which was used to make the 1,000 feathers (17-foot wingspan) on a memorial Eagle curved over a 400-pound block of limestone recovered from the walls of the Pentagon which is located at Fort Benning's [Fort Moore] Herbert J. Dexter Elementary School. Don cared for his mother, sister and wife until their deaths. He lost all but 15% of his vision in 2012 but was thankful for the 15%.
Don was predeceased by his parents, sister Dorothy, wives Marion and Marge, son Mark and infant daughter Lois. Survivors include his brother David (Barbara) of Taos, NM; daughter Leann Pearce (Phil) now of Pine Mt; Sons, Carl Schultz (Velvet) of Somerville, TN and Kurt Schultz (Melanie) of LaGrange, GA. Also 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren: Bryan Schultz (Sarah + Carter) of Traverse City, MI; Katrina Schultz (Johnnie Cardona + Jalina, Sebastian, Kira) of Orlando, FL; Daniel Schultz of Pine Mt; Phillip Schultz (Kristen + Mercedes, Anthony, Lexus) of Hogansville, GA; Jake Schultz of West Point, GA; also many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Don believed training was the key to all learning. He loved his family, his church, scouting, conservation, the great outdoors and having fun.
Visitation will be Friday, March 14, from 5-7 pm at Cox Funeral Home, 240 Walton Street, Hamilton, GA. On Saturday, March 15, a funeral service will be held at 11:30 am (viewing from 10:15-11:15) at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 4700 Armour Road, Columbus, GA, with the Rev. John Bumgardner officiating. A casual meal and reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be at 3:30 pm in the Chipley/Pine Mt Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 4700 Armour Road, Columbus, GA 31904 or Boy Scout Troop 40, P.O. Box 737, Pine Mt, GA 31822.
Cox Funeral Home, Hamilton, GA is assisting the family with arrangements.