Donald Franklin Fannin, 89, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on April 5, 2024. He was born on July 26, 1934, in Barboursville, West Virginia the son of Chester and Verna Fannin.
Donald, a compassionate individual, was known for his willingness to help others, especially his neighbors in the Peach Lake Manor section of Ocoee, Florida. His wife Tennie fondly recalls that “He never met a stranger.” He was always ready to run an extension cord to a neighbor’s house when one of Florida’s hurricanes hit, or to give a neighbor a ride to the store or to a medical appointment.
Donald proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957 as an Airman First Class at combat operations centers in the United States, Okinawa and on an island site between Okinawa and China. He met and married Tennie Roberson at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York in July of 1957.
Following his military service, Donald attended Marshall University, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. While at Marshall, he served as the editor of the student newspaper, The Parthenon.
Following his years at Marshall, he embarked on a diverse career journey. He dedicated over a decade to various news organizations, including United Press International, the Beckley Post-Herald, the Huntington Herald-Dispatch, the Louisville Courier-Journal, and the Evening Star of the Orlando Sentinel-Star. Additionally, he owned and operated a restaurant in downtown Orlando, the Earl of Sandwich, and worked in parole and probation supervision in Florida.
His professional path led him to roles as the vice president for Anna Publishing, operations manager for Environment Control commercial janitorial service, and positions with EGP Inc. and Kinko’s. In retirement, Donald founded and edited The Citizen’s Newsletter.
Donald is survived by his loving wife Tennie Fannin, his son Gregory Fannin, and daughter-in-law Michele Fannin. A private ceremony will be held to honor his life.
Donald’s legacy of kindness and dedication to his community will be cherished and remembered by all whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.