Don Cloninger
March 29, 1930 ~ October 26, 2011
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Donavon Roule Cloninger, Sr., 81 -
Born March 29, 1930
Passed away Wednesday, October 26th, 2011, peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital.
He was the son of the late Craig and Pauline Lanning Cloninger and was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Alice Long Cloninger.
Surviving are his wife, Jane; sons, Don, Jr. (Karen) of Cary, Jack (LaNita) of Weaverville, Mike (Jane) of Asheville, and daughter, Julie Cloninger of Asheville; step-son Matt Lawson (Heather) of Asheville; grandchildren: Justin, Taylor, Hannah, Kristin, Cassidy, Seth, Conor and Camille; step-grandchildren, Abreea, Brittanie and Dakota; sister, Ann Cloninger Anderson (Norman)and brother, C. Fred Werhan (Pat), both of Asheville; Keith Deweese and many other loved family members.
Mr. Cloninger was raised in West Asheville and was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church. Don graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1949, and went on to serve his country in the Navy during the Korean War.
He was co-owner of Biltmore Iron and Metal Company until he retired in 1996, and was a partner in A Touch of Glass. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Country Club of Asheville and a Numismatic Coin Club member.
Don was an avid collector and sports enthusiast. But most of all he loved his family.
Family and friends will be received Friday, October 28th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. The funeral service will be Saturday, October 29th at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dr. C. Fred Werhan officiating. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler.
Pallbearers will be Justin, Seth, Conor, and Jeff Cloninger, Scott Mills, and Gary Newlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Brown, Lee McClintick, Coy Mehaffey, John Fisher, Sr., and Doyle Beam.
The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff of The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge, and to the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital.
Flowers are appreciated, but donations may be made to The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge, 70 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.
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Losing a loved one is never easy. Sending prayers to the family during this time of need.
Julie, Kristin and Camille: I am sorry for you loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know this is a hard time on you and your family and I can only imagine what your going through. May the Lord bless yall during this time of sorrow! We love you!
Michael and Family–Please know that our prayers are with each of you – it is never easy to loose anyone much less a father like I know Don was. He was such a good man and will be deeply missed.
God’s place and blessing on you all in this time of grief.
Don, Thank you for letting us know about your father. Please know that your Rotarian friends have you in their prayers. Those of us who have experienced this same event know how hard it is under the best of circumstances. I enjoyed reading about your father, especially about, ‘most of all he loved his family.’
Jack Lanita Justin,so sorry to hear of Dons passing.I know he will be missed by many.Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Cloninger family.Love,Kenny and Linda Eagle
Jack, Sad to hear of your dad’s passing. You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Don was such a special man. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Oh what wonderful memories I have of Don, Alice & the whole family from growing up in Asheville, at WABC! I can just imagine the reunion going on in heaven, but he sure will be missed on earth!
My prayers go out to all the family!
Vicki
While I did not know personally Don, Sr., I have the privilege of knowing his son, Don, Jr., and his family. They are truly persons of great character and strong citizenship. Don, Jr., is a well-respected community leader in Cary, NC. An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Don, Sr., certainly gave positive direction to his family, as evidenced by the way they have turned out. They are strong tributes to his memory.
Mike we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need we are here for you.
Jack, I was sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
Don, so sorry for your loss. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your Dad, but feel he had to be very proud of you and your family. He truly did a remarkable job raising you.
Mike and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Don was an inspiration to so many people and a man of great character and leadership. May the entire family find great peace and strenght during this difficult time.
Don, reading about your Dad I could not help but think of you. Your Dad did a good job of passing on the giving spirit that exemplifies your life. It is my honor to know you and your family. Peace to you and your family. See you soon.
Larry Kingsley
I grieve with you at the loss of Don. I wish I could have been there as you were for me and my dad. God Bless
The Day God Called You Home
God looked around his Garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, he closed you tired eyes,
He whispered to you ‘Peace be Thine’ and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
You’ve left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you’re always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home
Just learned of Don’s home going and my sympathy to the family.
I pray the Lord will wrap His comforting arms around you and guide you through your grief.
Doris Barber
Our sympathy goes to Don’s family. We have fond memories of Don and Alice and John and Jeanette Fisher at West Asheville Baptist Church. He was a fine man.
Jack, I just learned about your father a few days ago; my deepest sympathy and condolences go out to your entire family.