Donald Eugene Northway, 79, of Hilliard, Fla., passed away peacefully Feb. 18, 2017 at a Community Hospice Center for Caring in Jacksonville, Fla.
Don was born June 11, 1937 in Des Moines, Iowa to Paul and Agnes Northway. He was their firstborn and a protective brother to Norma and Larry. He grew up roaming the woods hunting, fishing and camping. He graduated from East High School in 1955, attended Iowa State College for two years and married his first wife, Constance Anderson in 1958, the mother of his two sons.
Don was a master carpenter with Des Moines Local 106. He was a dedicated firefighter for the City of Des Moines for seven years, a profession he dearly loved. In 1969 he moved to Florida where he became an air traffic controller, retiring in 1998.
He married Gail Dillaberry in 1974, adding two more sons to his family. They enjoyed many years of traveling the country and golfing with friends and family. Papa Don was adored by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. During his life he wanted to take care of his family and declare his love of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Gail; his son, Clint (Sheri) Northway; his stepson, Matthew (Becky) Boyd; his daughter-in-law, Heide Boyd and his sister, Norma (Jim) Schall.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry Northway; his son, Phillip Northway and stepson, Michael Boyd.
No funeral services will be held. Family and close friends will gather Saturday, Feb. 25, from 4-6 p.m. to celebrate Don’s life at the Garden City United Methodist Church, 3057 Dunn Ave., Jacksonville, Fla.
Arrangements by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 1426 Rowe Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208, 904-768-2596.