Donald L. Linder

Donald L. Linder, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away Saturday morning, Feb 1, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on March 6, 1942 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Raymond C. Linder, Jr. and Marie M. (Davis) Linder.

Donald was a former member of Hoagland Avenue United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

He was employed with Decatur Industries. Following his time at Decatur Industries, Don became engaged in employment with ARC in Fort Wayne for 30 years.

Don lived a very simple life. He would spend his free time watching Westerns on tv along with completing jig saw puzzles and completing word finds. After his parents died, Don moved to Fort Wayne where he stayed in a state-run facility. Following the closure of the state school, he was placed in several adult foster homes. It was at this point, that he began a three day “test stay” with Karen Staton which turned into a stay lasting over 9,125 days…over 25 years. He was able to participate in many activities, including riding a bus to work, greeting those in church with a smile, and providing a beacon of light to those around him.

He is survived by his guardian, Pastor Karen Staton of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two brothers, Clyde Linder of Decatur, Indiana and Paul Linder of Bluffton, Indiana; sister, Donna Rose Commet of Decatur, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mary Ellen Dues, Sara Sims, and Mary Kiser; two brothers, Raymond C. Linder III and Dennis Linder; half-brother, Jim VanHorn; and half-sisters, Julia Rose Minear and Marie Jane Bruner.

Funeral services for Don will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor Karen Staton officiating. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery.

Friends and family will be received one hour prior to the services on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Destiny Life Center Church in Fort Wayne.

Arrangements are by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home of Decatur, Indiana.