Donald D. Dye
Donald D. Dye
Donald D. Dye
May 20, 1925 – June 8, 2014
University Park, Iowa | Age 89
Served with Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Donald Dye, 89, of University Park was surrounded by his family when he went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 8, 2014, while being cared for at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born May 20, 1925, in Oskaloosa, the son of Clyde and Nellie Johns Dye.
Don graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1943. He was drafted into the United States Army infantry in October of 1943. Don was in the Battle of the Bulge and received significant injuries while overseas. He was rescued from the battlefield as a John Doe because his identification was lost. Due to this fact, Don was not decorated for his effort until later in life. His awards include, Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal.
Don was honored to be able to be a part of an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2009.
On August 3, 1945, he married the love of his life Lottie E. Hartman in Oskaloosa. Don and Lottie were blessed with four children, Julie, Don, Jr., Lynne, and Kristen.
Don worked as a tool and die maker and precision machinist retiring from G&L Industries in 1990.
Don committed himself to Christ at an early age, he actively served as a lay minister for over 30 years, first at Lower Grove and later at Lancaster Christian Church. He was always happy to share the good news of Jesus. His greatest loves were his Lord and family.
Don will be remembered for his huge heart and sense of humor. Don was an avid ham radio operator and enjoyed the ham radio club. He also loved the outdoors, fishing and camping. He was also a very talented handyman.
His family includes his wife of nearly 69 years, Lottie “Dolly” Dye of University Park; four children: Julie Montgomery of Cedar, Don Dye, Jr. of Belmond, Lynne (Le) Rogers of Oskaloosa, and Kristen (Curt) Sarver of Oskaloosa; five grandchildren: Julie (Jim) Miller, Cory (Dayna) Sarver, Grant (Jennifer) Rogers, Courtney (Brian) DeRonde, and Ryan (Jossy) Rogers; 11 great grandchildren: Riley, Brooklyn, and Gabi Miller, Bennett and Ainsley Rogers, M’Lynn and Brady DeRonde, and Audra, Ethan, Brennan and Quinn Sarver. He was also waiting with great anticipation for another great grandson to be born in July. Additionally, he is survived by two sisters-in-law: Fairy Hartman and Betty Smith.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Keith Montgomery; a great granddaughter, Lydia Miller; two brothers: Clyde, in infancy and Louis Dye; two sisters: Dorothy, in infancy and Margaret Scott.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend David Brown officiating.
Burial will be in the University Park Cemetery in University Park.
Graveside Military Rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Thursday after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Ecumenical Cupboard or Omega Church.
