Donald "Don" Norman Link

Donald (Don) Norman Link, 81, died July 1 after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Don was born June 23, 1933 in Mt. Sidney, Va. A graduate of Mt. Sidney High School, he attended Bridgewater College and transferred to Virginia Tech where he earned his Vocational Agriculture Education degree in 1954. He was drafted into the Army where he spent most of his tour as a driver in Germany in the Motor Pool of the 22nd Inf. Regt. Upon discharge, he began teaching in the Shenandoah Co. school system, and he married his sweetheart, Nancy, in 1957. His Industrial Arts Advance Certification won him a position at Fort Defiance High School in Augusta Co. In 1966, the young couple accepted an offer from the Church of the Brethren to serve as missionaries to Nigeria. They spent the majority of the next six years teaching at teachers’ training/secondary schools and as missionary school dorm parents. Don possessed a great curiosity about the world and enjoyed trekking around with his camera as they traveled in parts of West Africa and Europe. The family returned from Nigeria in 1972 and Don resumed his teaching at Fort Defiance and Buffalo Gap High Schools where he became a revered instructor whom former students remember with fondness. After retiring in 1994, Don completed and published a book on the genealogy of the Wine Family in America Sect. IV. An avid photographer, birder, beekeeper and gardener, Don’s primary hobby was promoting the Eastern Bluebird. Don and Nancy maintained a 50+ box bluebird trail in Augusta County. Other post-retirement activities included participating in a work camp in Nigeria, volunteer service on a Navajo reservation and completing a goal to visit all 50 states – accomplished in the summer of 2008. A true and faithful servant, Don will be missed at Lebanon Church of the Brethren where he was a spiritual inspiration for many. Don is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughter, Debra (Curtis Sheffer), of Mt. Sidney, Va., son, Gary (Mary Link), of Paradise Valley, AZ, four grandchildren (Thomas Sheffer, Raymond and Jonathan Link, Haley Prestwood) and a great-grandson (Atlas Sheffer). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Daniel Sheffer. The family will greet friends on Sunday, July 6, 4-6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall (lower level) at Lebanon Church of the Brethren in Mt. Sidney, Va. Following a private burial, a Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 7, 7 p.m. at Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a Memorial Fund at Lebanon Church of the Brethren, 1168 Lebanon Church Rd., Mt. Sidney, Va. 24467. Lindsey Funeral Home is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyweyerscave.com.