GREENSBORO
Donald Eugene Doles, born in Columbus, Indiana on July 17, 1945, passed away on May 14, 2022, in Greensboro, North Carolina, after a “Don Doles-brave” fight against Parkinson’s Disease. Don was the oldest son of the late Rev. Vern E. and Pauline Doles. Don leaves behind his beloved wife Janet after almost 60 years of marriage, their three sons Chris Doles, Tony Doles, and Troy Doles, and five grandchildren Max Doles, Scott Doles, Logan Doles, Evie Doles and Donovan Doles. Don is also survived by his brothers Jerry Doles and Bob Doles.
Don was born in Columbus, Indiana and resided there until graduating from Columbus North High School in 1963. He married his high school sweetheart, Janet Elaine Doles on October 26, 1963. Don prematurely departed from his studies and diving scholarship at Ohio University to help care for his young family. At the age of 25, Don worked the 3rd shift at the Columbus Factory and drove 90 miles daily for two years to pursue his degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. In May of 1972, Don graduated with a Bachelor of Science from IU. In 1972, Don joined Cummins Engine culminating as Director of Supply Mid-Range Engines in 1989. In 1989, Don joined Danaher, a Fortune 500 science and technology firm, where he applied his expertise in numerous capacities, eventually advancing to the post of Vice President from 2001 to 2008. After departing Danaher, Don served as an Industry Expert for the U.S. Air Force at the University of Tennessee and the United States Department of Defense’s Smart Operations program for the U.S. Air Force. For his work, Don was presented with a Commendation from the Director of Business Transformation in 2010. From 2010 to 2014, Don was the proprietor and manager of Don Doles LLC. In this capacity, Don mentored and guided clients through his passion, promoting continuous improvement of process for optimal efficiencies. At play, Don was an all-around, do anything, athlete and fierce competitor. Don was an avid golfer and accomplished tennis player reaching National Competitions at the Senior ranks. Don also ran 3 marathons while in his 50s.
Beyond work and play, Don was always a family-first husband, father, and grandfather. Don’s calm, patient demeanor and wisdom served as the bedrock upon which his family relied. Don, Dad, and Grandpa, taken too soon from this life, will be deeply missed every day. But in the words and motto of Don, “Drive On…”
A memorial service honoring Don will be held in the Virginia Somerville Sutton Theatre at Well-Spring Retirement Community, 4100 Well Spring Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service until 8:00 p.m. in the Theatre Lobby and Patio at Well-Spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org).
