Born on August 8, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois
Departed April 23, 2023 in Palm Bay, Florida
Donald Lee Waterbury, 89, a long-term resident of the Melbourne/Palm Bay Area passed away on April 23rd, 2023. Don was born on August 8th, 1933, to Kenneth and Dorothy Waterbury in Chicago, Illinois.
The family relocated to the Melbourne Area while Don was a young boy in the 40’s. After graduation from Melbourne High School, attending University of Florida and serving as a member of the Army National Guard, Don became a surveyor for Pam Am Airlines Patrick Air Force Base. He eventually started a business with his Father and his brother Robert “Bob” to build Golf Courses and do Site Construction all over Florida. Don and Bob managed Golf Shapers Construction for over 40 years until their retirement.
Don was married to Miriam “Mimi” Waterbury for 50 years before she passed away in 2011. Don, who had many nicknames, such as “Hoss” and “Poppy” was loved by all his family and friends. Don was a quiet yet friendly man with a quirky sense of humor that always put everyone at ease. If you asked Don how he was doing, he would usually reply “pretty good for an old fart”.
Don is Survived by his love and companion Deane Dunnington, his son Ken Waterbury, daughter Donna and son-In-law Rick Amundson, daughter Dodie Gregoire and family, Granddaughter Kira Waterbury and Grandsons Zachary and Alec and his spouse Lauren. Don will also be missed by cousins and several generations of nieces and nephews.
Family and Friends may call on Friday, April 28th, 2023 from 1 pm until time of service at 2 pm at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home 1010 E Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, Florida 32901. Don will then proceed to have a short graveside service at Florida Memorial Gardens. In lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Health First or the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay in Memory of Don and the wonderful care they gave him over the past four months. Don will be in our hearts forever and always!
10 entries.
Jeff Search
from Oak Ridge wrote on August 7, 2023:
Don was a special kind of person to work with and to know. Nothing was ever a problem that couldn't be solved with his cheerful attitude. He'll be missed here on Earth.
Norm Fisher
from Eden,NY wrote on April 30, 2023:
I've known Don since February 1964 when me and my Mom and Dad 1st drove 3 days to Florida.. At the time Don was doing survey work for NASA Via Pan Am. Don was a great welcoming person to us. He even went swimming with us in the cold pool. Hoss ( Don ) as his son Ken called him found a mistake in our survey when he came up to visit. He even let me drive his work truck when I was on a learners permit.I remember going past Golf courses and gunning it and making a lot of noise. ( it was a standard shift that needed a muffler) He always put people at ease even though he was very smart. I last saw him in December 2022 we talked a lot &. I'll miss him a lot ,
Kim Amellin
from Orlando wrote on April 28, 2023:
Sending much love and comforting hugs to Donna, Rick, Alec, Lauren, Zach and the rest of the family! ❤️
Edward Mino
from Sharpsburg, GA wrote on April 26, 2023:
I was in Melborne a while ago and visited the farm. I met with Ken and hoped to see Don. I am regretful that he was not at the farm that day. I will never forget the good times we had on Indialantic home. Condolences to Ken, Donna and the family.
Patti Knasel
from Grant-Valkaria wrote on April 26, 2023:
Don truly had one of the kindest hearts. He will be missed by many. Prayers for comfort and happy memories to all his family and friends.
Jay kelley
from Palm Coast, Florida wrote on April 25, 2023:
Hoss you have always been a second Dad to me and I will never forget all you, Mimi and Ken have done for me. Try and let St. Peter know I’m not half bad when it’s my time to cross the pearly gates, Valhalla Hoss.
Donna Amundson
from Windermere wrote on April 25, 2023:
My Dad was my hero, I always loved spending time with him. I have so many fond memories of him showing me the world as a small child. I was very shy and timid, and he always tried to take his time with me, hold my hand when I was scared, and did his best to teach me how to be so kind and caring as he was. He had the quirky sense of humor, which I now find myself emulating. My Dad would always come to the rescue no matter what! He was kind hearted, quiet, and just told you like it was. I know I would not be the person I am today without his uncondional love and support! Your are forever in my heart, Dad, and I Love you and will carry you with me always.
Linda Cunningham
from PALM COAST wrote on April 25, 2023:
I am so greatful that I got to meet and know you through Mom, Don. I will miss your grin and your many stories!
Rest in peace and know that we will all see each other again one day.
Linda Cunningham
Linda Cunningham
from PALM COAST wrote on April 25, 2023:
So greatful that I got to know you through Mom, Don. Will miss your grin and your many stories!
Rest in peace and know that we will all meet up again one day.
Suzi Benskin
from Indian Harbour Beach wrote on April 25, 2023:
Born on August 8, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois