Donn R. Colee, Sr.

Donn Colee Sr. was a career communicator and "idea man." His first job was in broadcasting, starting in radio in his hometown of St. Augustine, Florida while in high school. At the age of only 17, Donn was enlisted by the U.S. Navy because of his broadcasting talent. He served in the United States Navy Intelligence in World War II, CIN PAC, stationed at NAS Honolulu, Hawaii. His career continued in Orlando, where he built and managed the first ABC television station in Florida, which led him to the boardroom of Metro Media, now Fox Network, and positions in New York City and Washington D.C. Returning to his native state of Florida in the early 1960's, he bought and operated a radio station in West Palm Beach before building Colee & Co., the area's largest advertising and public relations firm. Among his many clients during his 30 year PR/Advertising career were John D. Mac Arthur, the PGA, Chase Manhattan Trust, Northern Trust, Pratt & Whitney, Century Village, Wellington and Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, as well as numerous local and national political campaigns and civic projects.

He was a founding member of the Economic Council and a member of many other public service organizations. A sixth generation Floridian, Colee was retired and resided in Palm Beach Gardens with his wife, Shirley Henderson Colee. In addition to Shirley, he leaves his children, Donn Jr. (Martha) of Palm Beach Gardens, and daughters Ami and Amanda, both of Orlando and his two stepchildren, Gary Henderson, Palm Beach Gardens, and Diana Oboler, Washington D.C., as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Ellen, in 2001 and his grandson, Chris, in 2014. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 18 from 2pm-4pm, Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 754 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donn's name can be made to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue, 3200 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.