ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Donald E. Lindahl, 86, formerly of Morgantown, NC, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at Clare Bridge of Asheville, NC. Mr. Lindahl began his college education at New Mexico State and left to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1942. He served with the 933rd Field Artillery Battalion throughout the entire European Theatre of Operations. After the war he completed his education, receiving a degree in chemistry from New Mexico State. He worked for the Westinghouse Electrical Co. for 40 years, including 17 years with the Industrial Micarta Division in Hampton, SC, and later as plant manager in Bedford, PA until his retirement in 1986.
Mr. Lindahl served the community as a youth baseball coach and coordinator, helping to achieve integration during the challenging years of desegregation; a Boy Scouts fundraiser and contractor of pro athlete speakers; a hospital advisory boardmember; a library volunteer and Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Elks and Rotary International.
Surviving are: His wife of 54 years, Roberta Wheeler Lindahl, of Morganton. He is also survived by his four children: Andrew W. Lindahl of Magnolia, MS; Mary Lindahl McMahon of Hagerstown, MD; Donald E. "Lindy" Lindahl of Greenville, SC; and Eric W. Lindahl of Lawrence, MA. Mr. Lindahl has four grandchildren: Patrick J. McMahon, Kathleen E. McMahon, Rory T. McMahon and M. Clare McMahon, all of Maryland. Born in Gallup, New Mexico to Anton and Ida McMinn Lindahl, he was preceded in death by an older brother, Hubert.
A memorial service was held Friday, June 19 at 2:00pm at Drexel First Baptist Church, Drexel, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association. www.alz.org
Asheville Mortuary Services of Asheville, N.C. was in charge of the arrangements.