Donald A Ruedlinger

He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Sue Hockman in 1954. Their four children are Steve, Julie, Rick and Missi. He has 9 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

After Barbara died in 1991, he found love again and married Mary Lou Yelverton, who had three children, Paula, Susie and Tim. He loved participating in the lives of Lou’s five grandchildren.

From a young age, Don had a passion for sports. He played football at Southeast Missouri State. Though he was employed by Lumbermen’s Mutual Insurance, and later opened his own insurance agency, he always was involved in youth sports. Starting with swim lessons on an official length pool in his back yard in St. Louis, then when he relocated his family to Florida in 1969, he became involved in Pop Warner Football and Youth Basketball. Originally working with AAU, he eventually founded Youth Basketball of America, which became an international organization. He worked there until retiring in 2017. Don was a High School football referee for over 35 years in St. Louis and Florida.

He received the prestigious James Naismith Award for his youth basketball accomplishments, and the Polk County All Sports Executive of the Year award, among others. However, more than any award he received; he was passionate about helping young athletes succeed, not only on the court, but also in their lives.

A memorial service for Donald will be held Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 2:00 PM at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 2021 W State Rd 426, Oviedo, FL 32765.