OBITUARY
Donald Allen Bierley
July 3, 1932 – January 18, 2021
Donald Allen Bierley, lifelong resident of Miamisburg, went home to be with the Lord unexpectedly on January 18, 2021. He was born July 3, 1932 in Dayton, Ohio to John and Dorothy Bierley (Eck). He was married 64 years to his high school sweetheart Eleanor Jane Fields who preceded him in death in July 2018.
He was a 1950 graduate of Miamisburg High School and a 1954 graduate of Miami University (Ohio) with a BA Degree in Mathematics and Physics. He worked as a civilian at WPAFB, OH in the Aerial Reconnaissance Lab, for nearly five years. He then held an engineering position at the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), now the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). He traveled extensively in the United States, Europe and Japan. Don retired as the Foreign Space Systems Branch Chief in 1989 after 35 years as a civil servant to his country. He then held a sub-program management position with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), retiring for a second time in 1999. Don was also a United States Army Reserve veteran serving from 1954-1964.
Don joined the Miamisburg Lions Club in 1964, where he served as President and was awarded a lifetime membership award. He served in numerous southwest Ohio District 13-H positions and was District Governor in 1978-79. He was also awarded the coveted Melvin Jones Fellow Award for outstanding service to his community.
He was a member of Trinity Church of Miamisburg where he sang in the senior choir, served as an Elder, Deacon and President of the congregation. Don also enjoyed spending time with his family and taking trips to Florida and Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. He enjoyed power-boating, waterskiing, fishing trips in Canada and collecting coins.
Don is survived by sons Donald Kent (Debbie) Bierley (Beavercreek) and Kirk (Cheryl) Bierley (Miamisburg); grandchildren, Stephanie, William, Benjamin and Jonathan Bierley, his brother Richard (Shirley) Bierley (Springfield, OH), cousin Melinda (Jim) Patrie (Hollywood, CA), nephew Rick (Annette) Bierley (Morrow, OH) and niece Denise Bierley (Albuquerque, NW).
A private gathering will be held for the family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 22 at Trinity Church of Miamisburg, 203 E. Linden Ave, Miamisburg with Rev. Dr. Joel Getts officiating. A private burial will follow at the Hillgrove Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Church of Miamisburg at 203 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg, OH 45342 or The Dayton Foundation Fund #1446, The Eleanor and Donald Bierley Memorial Scholarship, 40 N. Main Street, Suite 500, Dayton, OH 45423 or the Lions Club International Foundation, P.O. Box 809404, Chicago, IL 60680-9854.
The family will have a “Celebration of Life” picnic for Don either in the spring or summer of 2021 which will be open to the public. Further details to come.
Services
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Funeral Service
Friday, January 22, 2021
Memories
Donald Allen Bierley
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMarsha and Steve Miller
January 23, 2021
Kirk, Cheryl and sons
Steve and I wanted to express our condolences to you all. We will be praying for you all in the days ahead.
Neighbors
Steve and Marsha Miller
Jane Griffin
January 21, 2021
Kent and family,
Jack and I send prayers for everyone in your family. It’s not easy to loose a loved one, but your father will always be there in your hearts and memories.
Jane and Jack Griffin
Jerry Michaels
January 21, 2021
Christine and I will miss you Don.
I first met Don and Eleanor when our children were in high school marching band. Don was one of the easiest going, most friendly persons, I had ever met.
Over the years we remained friends. He was always pleasant and positive, so I enjoyed every conversation we ever had.
Having had some business dealings together I will always remember when Don gave his word, that was all you needed, it would never change. He was a good man. A good neighbor.
We will all miss you Don.
God bless you and your family.
Jerry Michaels
Rocky Bowman
January 21, 2021
In addition to knowing and working with Don at NAIC I also had
the privilege of being a fellow Lion. Don's contributions to Lions International were extensive. He served in many capacities in
Lions work in Ohio- at the local, district, and state level. He was District Governor for his home district (Southwest Ohio).
His leadership, accomplishments, and friendship will truly be missed.
Robert "Rocky" Bowman
Fellow Worker and Lion
Jeff Roberts
January 21, 2021
Kent and family,
Please accept my condolences on the death of your father. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jeff
Jerry Adinolfi
January 21, 2021
Don will be missed dearly. He was my civilian Branch Chief at then FTD/PDTSE for four years. He was a kind and knowledgeable boss who aimed this young Air Force captain in the right career direction. He called me at my next military base to inform me of my promotion to major. Don put people first while not diminishing support for our technical mission of foreign spacecraft electronics. God bless him and his beloved family.
Faithfully,
Col Jerry Adinolfi, USAF, Ret.
Helen Parker
January 21, 2021
Sympathy and prayers for everyone.
Scott Lenz
January 21, 2021
Remembering the years at Lions Club, where Don and my dad Jim would fill Alex’s banquet room with their laughter. Fun times.
Patty Cassel Mullikin
January 20, 2021
Kirk, Kent and family, I'm so sorry to hear the passing of Don. Very nice man. Richard and Don were buddies, they would go to football games together and would have a great time. Just remember all the good times you have had with him. Don will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gone but never forgotten.
Don rest in peace. Patty (Shirley's sister).
Robinn and Dave Ridder
January 20, 2021
We are so sorry that your dad passed on Monday Jan.18th.After reading his obituary he really accomplished a lot. I didn’t realize he was such success in life. Be proud. Love you guys. Robinn and Dave
Duane Pardieck
January 20, 2021
Kent, Kirk and families. So sorry to read of your dad's passing. He was a great LION and a good friend. He will be missed. You have my sympathy. Lion Duane Pardieck
Francisco Palacio
January 20, 2021
Kent Bierley, condolences are in order at this moment of your great loss. Pray you and yours come together at this time of your father’s physical farewell from this Earth. Sincerely yours.
Julie (Stebbins) Hinds
January 19, 2021
Kent, Kirk and families.
I am very sorry. You dad was so good to my family. He had heart of gold. He will be missed.
My condolences to you all.
Mike Ryan
January 19, 2021
My boss, my mentor, my friend. He was quick on his feet and was the first to pick up on a punch line almost before the speaker uttered the words.
Don Bierley was a good man and the world is worse for his passing but so much better for his presence..
God bless Don's family and friends. We will miss him.