Donald Stombaugh

Donald “Don” Ray Stombaugh, 71, passed away in the early morning hours of August 5, 2021 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on March 26, 1950 and lived all over the world as an Air Force brat (highlights include Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Morocco) before his family settled in Dover, Delaware. He later joined the Army and was stationed in Korea.

Don’s hobbies included cooking (especially grilling), bowling, fishing and boating, talking to everyone (whether he knew them or not), and anything related to music – attending shows, songwriting, playing guitar, and singing karaoke. He was an avid Philadelphia Phillies phan, generally tolerated the Philadelphia Eagles, and sometimes even rooted for the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He was involved in the American Legion for many years and served as Commander of Post 82 in East Nashville from 2016 to 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret Stombaugh; in-laws, Walter and Bertha Cox; and brothers, David Stombaugh and Timothy Stombaugh.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jo Anne Stombaugh; daughter, Robin Carlson (Donny); sister, Wendy Faulkner (Keith); brothers, Richard Stombaugh and Thomas Stombaugh (Lihong); beloved fur child, Bailey; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 82 in Nashville, Tennessee in the coming weeks. An event is also being planned in Delaware in the fall.

“In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the American Legion or the Middle Tennessee Council for the Blind.”