Obituary of Donald J. Jordan

Donald J. Jordan, 95, passed from this life on March 15, 2024 in the loving presence of his family.  He was born September 22,1928 in Centertown, TN to the late Etta and Homer Jordan.  Don is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Pat, and his children Eric Jordan (Lori) and Lisa Jo Spencer (Gary).  He was known as Beachpapa to three grandchildren, Scott Jordan (Erin), Hadley Jordan and Garrett Spencer (Mary) and three great grandchildren, Meilani, Momikai and Kainoa.  He is also survived by brothers Louis Jordan (Joan) and John Jordan (Joan) and preceded in death by brother, Willie Albert (Willie Bea).  

As a 15-year-old boy, Don left Tennessee deciding his future was in Indianapolis, IN.  Once there, he fortuitously found a job as a cook at Mac’s Diner and in 1950, when drafted into the Army, his cooking experience qualified him to serve as a mess sergeant behind the front lines during the Korean War.  After the war he returned to Indianapolis and met the love of his life, Pat (Weare) and they were married in 1953.  Don earned his First Class Radio License which eventually led to a 28-year career as an avionics mechanic with Lake Central Airlines (later Allegheny/USAir).  Don and Pat raised their two children in Indianapolis and were active members of Fairfax Christian Church until 1984 when Don retired from USAir. The very next day they left for their retirement dream in Treasure Island/Indian Shores, Florida.  

The greatest joys in Don’s life were his family, his friends and his church.  He and Pat were active members of Indian Rocks Baptist Church for over 25 years.  One day per week, he was the volunteer cashier at the church’s thrift store because he jokingly said “I am the only one they can trust,” but never believed it for a moment.  He and Pat loved to travel and saw many far away lands such as Egypt, much of Europe, Bogota, Columbia, Japan, Tunisia, Jordan and the Holy Land.  In their retirement they enjoyed the more laid back travel style of cruising and visited most of the Caribbean, Alaska, transited the Panama Canal and the Atlantic Ocean.  One of their favorite trips which they made almost yearly was to Las Vegas, preferring the quaintness of the downtown casinos such as the Gold Spike or El Cortez to the glitz and glamor of the Strip.  They always traveled with family or dear friends and celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary by treating their children and grandchildren to a week-long cruise.

Don loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in any and all activities and was well known and loved by their friends and classmates.  He enjoyed walking with Pat on the beach (2 miles every day) and was often referred to as “Discount Don.”  He traded cars every 6 months to a year, speaking with great fondness about his 1972 Peugeot 304 and 1970 Buick Electra 225.  He had a passion for college basketball and listening to Gaither Gospel Music. His biggest wish was that the Rapture would happen in his lifetime so his family would all ascend to Heaven together.  He shared the Gospel with everyone he met to the very end, inviting the emergency room workers to church.  Don will be greatly missed by many but he leaves behind a rich legacy of love, devotion and faith.  

Don and Pat moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL to be near their daughter in 2021 and were most recently members of First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach or to Calvary Chapel Santa Rosa Beach.

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