Donald D. DeJong was born on April 14, 1930 in Peoria, Iowa, the son of Peter K. DeJong and Alice (Langstraat) DeJong.

After completing the 8th grade, he worked for his father learning the building construction trade. He also learned the electirical, plumbing, heating and cement trades. Later, Don took evening classes and earned his high school diploma, going on to take classes in blue print reading. He used his skill as a blue print reader on many commercial building projects that he oversaw, after joining the Carpenter's Union Local 106. Some of the projects he worked on include, the Y.M.C.A. and the Financial Center in Des Moines and the Red Rock Dam.

On December 10, 1949 he was united in marriage to Jeannine Robuck at the Methodist Church in Knoxville. To this union two children were born. Don enjoyed his children's sports and music activities and helped coach little league as they were growing up. In his spare time, he liked to read and hunt. He was also a certified private pilot and owned his own plane at one time. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and he will be missed by his family and friends.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville.

Don passed away on Monday, May 13, 2002 at Griffin Nursing Center in Knoxville at the age of 72 years and 29 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-brother, John Wahl and his step-mother, Wanda Wahl DeJong.

Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife of 52 years, Jeannine; his son Jerry and his wife Kate of Knoxville; his daughter Jan Crawford and husband Tim of Crestview, Florida; six grandchildren: Aaron and Adam DeJong and Angela, Danielle, Grant and Mariel Crawford; two sisters: Esther Gadbois of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Naomi Nelson of Wayzata, Minnesota; three brothers: David of Wooster, Ohio, Stephen of Colorado Springs and Marvin of Grand Junction, Colorado; a step-brother, Kenneth Wahl of Des Moines and many other family members and friends.