Obituary of Don Everett Macklin

AUBURNDALE - Don Everett Macklin, Sr., 69, of Auburndale, FL, suffered a stroke and went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 7, 2014 at LRMC, surrounded by a loving family. Mr. Macklin was born June 3, 1944 in Lakeland, FL and moved to Auburndale in 1947. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1963 and began a career in banking as a teller, that same year at Peoples Bank of Auburndale. He completed his banking career as Director of Facilities at Florida First Bank in Lakeland in 2004. A man devoted to his family, Mr. Macklin's children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Upon retirement, Mr. Macklin seized the opportunity to chauffeur, cheer on and mentor his 3 grandchildren. He dedicated himself fulltime to this labor of love, taking them to & from school each day; he drove them to practices and attended all of their games and events. His joy was multiplied with the addition of two great grandchildren, who also loved spending days with "Grandpa". Mr. Macklin was preceded in death by his parents, Harry R. & Thelma Macklin and his brothers, Eugene and Robert Macklin. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Gail Macklin; 2 sons, Donny Macklin of Auburndale and Jason Melanie Macklin of Lakeland. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren Megan Simmons, Curtis Macklin and Dylan Macklin; and 2 great grandchildren, Brody and Kohen Simmons. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Betty Alverson and Laverne Johnson, both of Auburndale. Mr. Macklin had a quick wit and there was nothing he liked better than an interesting conversation with family or friends. He was a man of integrity and great faith. He was known for his positive attitude and will be remembered as a selfless man who always put others first. A funeral service will be held Friday at 10 AM at the Kersey Funeral Home, Auburndale with visitation Thursday from 6 until 8 PM at the funeral home. The family requests that donations be made to either the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, 200 Avenue F NE, Winter Haven, Fl. 33881 or the American Heart Association 11207 Blue Heron Blvd. St. Petersburg, Fl. 33716.