Obituary
Michael “Mike” Edward Doner, age 66, of Summerfield, FL, passed peacefully surrounded by family on May 15, 2021.
Mike was born on July 6, 1954 in DeKalb, IL, to Carl W. Sr. and Mary Frances (Hallmark) Doner. As the oldest brother, he was wonderful at giving support and guidance, and most of all unconditional love. His mother would always say that as a baby, Mike was “the happiest little thing”. He carried that happiness and good nature the rest of his life. Mike loved to give his guidance with stories and would give detail instructions on how to do anything you needed help with doing, always followed by “or hell hire someone.”
Mike graduated a semester early from Terre Haute South in 1972 and enlisted in the U.S. Army to proudly serve his country. He spent three years overseas in Germany, achieving the rank of E-5 and was awarded as a U.S. Army Sharpshooter for his skills with the M16. Upon returning home, he enrolled at Indiana State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and met the love of his life, Julie.
Mike and Julie were married April 15, 1979 and were blessed with two loving children, Michelle and Michael. They moved to Florida in 1989, to continue his career in Aerospace Engineering and enjoy the warmer weather. He was a proud, loving, dedicated father. He loved coaching little league, attending dance recitals, home projects, gardening, and family vacations. He worked hard, so they could play harder.
Mike loved doing anything as long as family was involved – cruises, the beach, casinos, sporting events, fantasy football, or visiting Indiana for Cookie Day. He would say “Let me know the date and I will be there.” Mike went to Canada and white water rafting with several family members and friends. He was unstoppable.
Mike adored his granddaughters, Stella and Lyla Kayte. He cherished time spent with them and found great joy in sharing his engineering and cooking skills with them, especially cooking his Mother’s homemade noodles.
Mike was a son, brother, husband, father, MikePa, uncle, and friend, and deeply cherished every title. There was always joy around Mike, with much laughter and love.
Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Julie, his daughter Michelle (Randy) Golightly of Tallahassee, FL, his son Michael R. (Kristen) Doner of Odessa, FL, his two granddaughters Stella and Lyla Kayte Golightly, sister Cecelia Inglis of Sacramento, CA, brother Joseph (Sarah) Doner of Mason, OH, brother Carl W. Jr. (Mary) Doner of Terre Haute, IN, sister Patricia (Terry) Peak of Indianapolis, IN, sister Virginia (Chris) Hayes of Terre Haute, IN, and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl W. Doner Sr. and Mary Frances Doner.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his hometown of Terre Haute, IN in July. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mike’s honor to the Vietnam Veteran’s Association, Donate Life America, or American Liver Foundation.
An unforgettable Trip to the Pepsi 400!