Don P. Fankhauser Memorial

May 1, 1930 - August 14, 2010

MURRELLS INLET, S.C. - Mr. Don Philip Fankhauser, 80, passed peacefully after an extended illness on Saturday morning, August 14, 2010 at his home in Murrells Inlet, SC, with his wife, Elinor, by his side.

He was the son of Paul Fankhauser and Jessie Isaly Fankhauser of  Monroe County, OH.

Don was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Forestry and Wildlife.  He worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Patuxent, Maryland for 19 years.  He was a teacher both in public schools and as a ski instructor.  He operated a canoe rental business on the Shenandoah River for over 25 years. Don was a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War.  He assembled Nike rockets in White Sands, NM. He was a charter member of the Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalist Church and sang in the choir.

Don was born in Ohio, lived in the D.C. area, and in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia before moving to South Carolina in 2009. Don was an avid tennis player, skier, fisherman, loved games and outdoor activities.

In addition to Elinor, his loving and caring wife of 49 years, Don is survived by his son, Ronald Fankhauser and wife, Asya Lesly, and their sons, Forrest Allen and Lucas Philip Fankhauser of Mineral, CA.  Don is also survived by his son, Douglas Fankhauser and wife, Shelia Fankhauser, of Murrells Inlet,  SC.

"I loved having Don help with the chicken barbecues.  Always on time for work and always willing to stay with Elinor to wrap and sell--more or less a second shift. Don was a regular member of the choir.  He loved singing and when we needed a little special accompaniment we asked him to bring his harmonica and he could readily harmonize with any song we were doing."  ~Merle Wenger~

"Don was one of the most gentle and kind persons that I have ever met through HUU." ~ John Schuster