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In Memory

Don Drenkhan

Don Drenkhan

Lieutenant Colonel Donald F. Drenkhan Jr. obituary, 1948-2019, Lakeland, FLLAKELAND - Lieutenant Colonel Donald F. Drenkhan, Jr., 71, died in Lakeland, Florida on July 6, 2019. He was a veteran of Desert Storm.
LTC Drenkhan was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1948 to Ethel Louise and Donald Drenkhan Sr.
He received his early schooling in Cleveland Public Schools joining the ROTC and becoming a Lt. in 1972. He served with distinction for 28 years rising to the level of Lieutenant-Colonel, and receiving a Bronze Star, several Meritorious Service Medals with Oak clusters and AF Commendation Medals. Serving in Desert Storm he received National Defense Service Medals, Southwest Asia Service Medals and Kuwait Liberation Medals. He honorably retired from Service in 2000.
After retirement from the USAF LTC Drenkhan moved to Florida where he served his community in many ways joining the Habitat for Humanity, working for the City of Lakeland and serving on the safety patrol in his Sandpiper Community.
He is survived by his mother Ethel Louise, sister Denise, brother Dennis, sister-in-law Marie, and he was the proud Uncle of his nieces and nephews, Matthew, Sarah, Jason, Kimberly, Derek and grand niece Amelia.
A memorial service with a USAF Military Honor Guard will occur on October 3, 2019, at 1130 AM at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida with reception to follow. Memorial Donations can be sent to a charity of your choice. Published by The Ledger from Sep. 1 to Sep. 2, 2019.

 
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08/11/23 04:43 PM #1    

Lou Caravella

I did not know Don well, however if I recall correctly, he was a rather quiet individual.

HIs service to our country and the many military accolades that he received while in the service certainly speaks

loudy for his character and bravery.   I wish that I had known him better.

May he rest in peace. 


08/11/23 05:25 PM #2    

Jack Payne

Don was the photographer for the Riverlet in our senior year.  As such, he was present at virtually all of the school events in 1965 - 66.  His commitment of time was huge, and his photography and darkroom skills are were invaluable.  Anybody who bought the 1966 Riverlet, perused that Riverlet, or clicked on the "Yearbook" tab at the left side of this web site owes Don a debt of gratitude.


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