Donald was born at home in Braddock NJ on 11/29/1931 to Beatrice and William Fleming and passed away at home on June 20, 2026 in Indialantic, Florida.

He was predeceased by his parents William Fleming and Beatrice Randle, his Sister Audrey Evanchak and brother Robert Fleming, His wife K. Eleanor Gardner, and his oldest son William Donald Fleming. He is survived by his son Edward Gardner Fleming: Nieces, Nancy/Woody Green, Barbara/Ed Mauro, Heidi/Troy Coatsworth, Wendy/Jim Tomasello, and Laurie/Randy Interlante: His nephews William/Helene Taylor, Jim/Kim Fleming and Michael Fleming.

Donald was a United State Air Force veteran, having joined 1951 after high school. He served during the Korean War and began working on Jet aircraft engines while stationed in Occupied Japan. In Japan, he climbed Mt Fuji and developed an enduring fondness for Japan and its people. He was honorably discharged in 1955 from the USAF.

He then returned to the United States and married his sweetheart from grade school K. Eleanor Gardner.in 1955. His first born was William Donald Fleming in 1956, and then Edward in 1959. Don & Eleanor remained married until Eleanor’s untimely death of ALS in 1989.

While working in Philadelphia, he was offered to be employed by the emerging aerospace programs starting with the Martin Company in White Sands New Mexico. The space race soon needed aerospace workers expertise to help beat the Russians to Space. So in 1959 he was transferred by the Martin Company to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. He had his first new home built aptly in the new town of Satellite Beach. At the time homes did not have central air and used jalousie windows and terrazzo floors to help keep cool. Don worked on the Mace, Gemini, Titian, Apollo, and Skylab programs as well as classified projects with the Air Force. He retired from the Lockheed Martin Company in 1991.

After retirement Don lived in Oceanside, California and later Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He also spent winters in Green Valley AZ for several years. He then made the full circle back to Florida.in 2023. Don enjoyed living in “downtown” Indialantic in his midcentury private home, once again with terrazzo floors. He loved having coffee and chocolate doughnuts with the pastors and friends on Tuesdays. Then on Sundays he enjoyed Church with the parishioners at Eastminster Presbyterian. After each of these time he loved sitting along the Indian River watching the birds and dolphins. He enjoyed feeding the squirrels and his favorite was named William.

We are forever grateful for the love, support and expertise of the best loving caregivers Sonia, and Marie. Also special thanks to Phil from Waypoint Home health, Amanda and all the nurses with Vitas Hospice care. We also have been blessed and so and thankful for the many neighbors and friends that have taken time to visit and bring him laughter, joy and special treats and goodies; including Geri, Jeri/Dan, Elisabeth, Kathy/Mike, Cindy/Bob and many more.

A Celebration of life will be held Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Indialantic FL. With Pastor Chuck Reisinger On September 19, 2026 at 1100 AM.

Burial will be at Florida Memorial Gardens in the future..