Donald George Lamkin, age 94, of Franklinville, New Jersey, on June 6, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Rose D. Lamkin (née DiPietro), with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Devoted father of Katherine Stumm of Vineland, John (Amy) Lamkin of Newfield, Christopher Lamkin of Vineland, the late Susan Lamkin, and the late Donald G. Lamkin, Jr. Proud grandfather of Justin (Danielle) Lamkin, Shawn (Nicole) Lamkin, Kayla Lamkin, Trista Lamkin, Lance Lamkin, Lily (Jay Lauser) Lam, Lilan Lam, and Jason Li. Cherished great-grandfather of Jaice Lamkin, Garrison Lamkin, Kelsie Lamkin, and Liam Lauser. He was predeceased by his parents, Eugene C. and Catherine Lamkin (née Lebrenz), and by his brother, Eugene C. Lamkin, Jr., and sister-in-law, Eileen M. Lamkin.
Born on January 16, 1932, in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, Donald was raised in Egg Harbor before moving to Carneys Point during his high school years, where he attended and graduated from Penns Grove Regional High School. A talented athlete, he excelled in track and field and earned several medals during his high school years. He continued his education at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. His lifelong fascination with science and the natural world later led him to complete a five-month course of study in oceanography and marine wildlife at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Certificate of Study.
Following his education, Donald proudly served his country during the Korean War as a Navy Corpsman attached to Marine units in combat. While serving on the front lines, he was wounded by shrapnel to his head and neck. Despite the dangers he faced, he repeatedly risked his own safety to render aid to wounded Marines, Navy personnel, and Korean civilians under enemy fire. For his courage, dedication, and lifesaving actions, he received several commendations. The bonds he formed with those he treated endured throughout his life, and each Christmas he looked forward to receiving phone calls and cards from many of the servicemen whose lives he had touched. During his military service, he was assigned to the USS Consolation (AH-15), a Haven-class hospital ship that later became the hospital ship Hope, serving humanitarian missions that brought modern medical care to underdeveloped regions around the world.
Donald commuted from Penns Grove to Franklinville from 1960 until 1965, when he established his permanent residence in Franklinville. He remained there for the next 61 years and became a well-known and respected member of the community.
A lifelong worker with an endless supply of energy, Donald held many occupations throughout his life. While attending college, he worked as an auto mechanic to help pay for his education. He later worked as a photographer for the Vineland Times, served as Night Shift Supervisor for a plastic pellet manufacturing plant in Vineland, and managed the Wycroff Hobby Shop on Landis Avenue in Vineland, where model cars were a favorite attraction.
His true calling, however, was education. Donald dedicated 37 years to Delsea Regional High School, where he taught Biology, Botany, Zoology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Photography. Known for his demanding and thorough curriculum, he challenged students to achieve their best and prepared many for successful college studies and careers in medicine, healthcare, and the sciences. His passion for learning and service influenced his own family as well, including his daughter Katherine, a retired intensive care nurse, and his son Christopher, a retired paramedic.
Outside of the classroom, Donald’s greatest passion was radio-controlled model airplanes. He spent countless hours collecting, building, and flying model aircraft and was a member and former chairman of the Clayton R.C. Club. He was also a member of the Society of Antique Models (S.A.M.). Whether flying planes at the field or working in his shop at home, he was happiest creating with his hands.
Donald also possessed a deep love for the music of the 1930s and 1940s. The sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, The Dorsey Brothers, Bing Crosby, and Django Reinhardt frequently filled his workshop as he built model airplanes, crafted inlay boxes, constructed birdhouses, and worked on a variety of projects. Surrounded by balsa wood, tools, and music from the Swing Era, he was truly in his element.
Donald will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, respected educator, skilled craftsman, and lifelong learner. Through his military service, dedication to his family, commitment to education, and enthusiasm for his many interests, he touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Funeral service will begin at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow at Saint Bridget’s Cemetery, Glassboro, NJ. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
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