Mr. Donald L. Marchman

FORT MEADE - Mr. Donald L. Marchman, 75, peacefully passed away at his home in Fort Meade on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 after a short illness. Don was born on September 4, 1943 in Bartow, FL to the late Joseph H. and Verna Newport Marchman as their third and youngest son, and he was educated in the Bartow, FL school system where he graduated from Summerlin Institute in 1961, and held a B.A. degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida.

Don was a member of the First Christian Church in Bartow, FL, a member of Fort Meade American Legion Post #23, a United States Air Force Veteran, serving his military time as a Medical Service Technician at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. After his military service, Don returned home to become a successful businessman in Polk County, FL. His employment history includes being the assistant manager of Tate Phillips Hardware Co. in Bartow, assistant to the Personnel Director of Employee Relations of General Telephone Co. of Florida in Tampa, Administrative Assistant to Florida State Senator Alan Trask of Fort Meade, the first Federal Grants Coordinator for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Vice President and General Manager of Polk Roofing Supply, Inc. of Winter Haven, FL, and Roofing Sales and Project Coordinator with Heidel Construction, Inc. of Bartow, FL.

Don was very community oriented, and was a member of the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club in Fort Meade, where he owned a cracker house in the Flywheel Village, former Director of Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, Secretary of Fort Meade Medical Clinic, and the current President of the Fort Meade Historical Museum.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mrs. Judith Gabriel Marchman; son, Stephen Michael Marchman; daughter Elisabeth "Lisa" Wilkin and husband Shawn, all of Fort Meade, FL; brothers, Michael J. Marchman and wife Eda, Bartow, FL, Kenneth R. "Kip" Marchman and wife Donna Winter Park, FL; grandson, Tyler Gabriel Whealton, Lakeland, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, 135 E. Broadway, Fort Meade. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Eddie Owen, Rev. Kenny Slay, and Rev. Marion R. Sortore officiating. Military Honors will follow the funeral service in the church Prayer Garden.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make donations to the following organizations: Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, 3220 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland, FL 33803; Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823; Fort Meade Historical Museum, P.O. Box 1021, Fort Meade, FL 33841; First United Methodist Church, 135 E. Broadway, Fort Meade, FL 33841.

Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL. 863-285-8171