Obituary of Donald Lee Loudermilk

Donald Lee Loudermilk

     91, peacefully passed away Friday, April 12, 2024 with family at his side following a period of failing health. Donald was the second son born to Virgil Leroy and Alice Lee (Spencer) Loudermilk in Lewisburg, WV.

     He graduated from Lewisburg High School in 1951, and married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Mae Hoke on January 11, 1953. Donald served in the United States military, first in the Army and then in the Air Force where he found himself working with the Thunderbirds which kickstarted his love for the aerospace industry. Don and Margie moved to south Florida where he attended what is now known as Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He and Marjorie had a busy life there raising their young family. Throughout his life, Donald was devoted to his family and to the Methodist Church in whichever state he resided. He loved to consider everyone his friend and was committed to helping others at work, in the community, and in his church family. He dedicated his time helping to establish and serve as president of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and in the Civic Association of his South Florida community.  In Preston County, he was a member of the Rotary Club, and Chairman of the Trustees at Terra Alta First United Methodist Church for many years.     

     He was able to retire in 1988 and moved back to WV with his beloved wife, this time to the town of Terra Alta; spending countless hours expanding and beautifying a little farm called Red Gate.  He fiddled with computers, dabbled in genealogy, enjoyed photography, and loved cars of any type. He had a talent for building and repairing things and even restored a 1903 Oldsmobile. He was proud to give anyone a ride in his Merry Oldsmobile! 

     Donald is survived by his four daughters: Cathy L. Pike and husband, Robert, of Cantonment, FL; Cindy Loudermilk-Karson and husband, Lawrence (Larry), of Houston, TX; Kendra Sue Murphy of Machesney Park, IL; and Lori L. Garcia and husband, Luciano (Lucky), of Hialeah Gardens, FL. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; and his sister Lorraine Kauff and husband, Howard, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

     Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie; his brother, Clifford Loudermilk of Franklin, Pennsylvania; and son-in-law, Paul Murphy of Machesney Park, IL.

     Family and friends will be received at the First United Methodist Church, Terra Alta from 10:00 a.m. on Friday April 19, 2024, until the 11:00 a.m. time of service with Rev. Michael Lantz officiating. Burial will follow in the Terra Alta Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Preston County Honor Guard and the WVANG Honor Guard.

     Condolences may be made to the family at www.arthurwrightfuneralhome.com