Donald Deane DeJong

Donald Deane DeJong, 93, of Pompano. Beach, Florida, went home to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, July 10, 2025. Donald was born on May 14, 1932, in Springfield, Illinois. He was the beloved son of Henry and Ruth Deane DeJong. Donald was known for his athletic prowess and his humorous, kind-hearted, and devoted nature.

Donald grew up in Springfield, Ohio, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1950. He was a member of the 1950 State High School Championship Basketball Team, and he was later inducted into the Springfield High School Hall of Fame. At Denison University in Granville, Ohio, Donald excelled in football, basketball, and track and lettered in every sport for four years. In addition, he set football records that were unbroken for 20 years. In 1981, in recognition of his outstanding skills on the football field, Denison University inducted Donald into the Denison University Hall of Fame.

Donald obtained a master’s degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. Professionally, Donald contributed significantly to the field of education for 35 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator. He served as head football coach at Northeast High School and Assistant Principal at Deerfield Beach High School.

In 2013, Donald and his wife, Joyce, moved to John Knox Village in Pompano Beach. Donald was actively involved in the John Knox Village community, serving as President of John Knox Village Rotary and volunteering at Resident Auxiliary Services for 12 years.

He was an avid sportsman and golfer throughout his life. He also had his private pilot’s license and enjoyed a passion for antique cars. Donald loved to travel, and he and Joyce toured the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. As part of their travel experiences, Donald and Joyce participated in many Glidden Antique Automobiles Tours.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry DeJong, sister Barbara Hauck, and granddaughter, Caitlin DeJong. He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Gilmore) DeJong; daughter, Deborah DeJong, of Bradenton, Florida; sons, Dirk DeJong (Jane) of Lighthouse Point, Florida, and John DeJong (Debbie) of St. Petersburg, Florida; stepdaughters, Susan Cliff (Joseph), of San Antonio, Texas, and Sharon Fishter, of Vero Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, Douglas DeJong, Allison Sorenson (Bobby), Cassidy Anderson (Austin), and Celine DeJong; and four great-grandchildren, Stella Sorenson, Cade Sorenson, Oakley Anderson, and Brooks Anderson.

A service to remember Donald’s life will be held on July 24, 2025, at 3 PM at the John Knox Village auditorium located at 651 SW 6th St., Pompano Beach, Florida, 33060.