Don B. Sullenger

SULLENGER, Don Bruce, age 91, of Centerville, OH passed away from complications of chronic kidney disease on Monday, December 28, 2020. Don was born February 8, 1929 in Richmond, Missouri to the late Arthur D. and Clara B. (Mason) Sullenger. He graduated from Richmond High School as valedictorian and started college at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri where he heard Winston Churchill give his famous “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946. Don completed his undergraduate training at the University of Colorado, Boulder graduating Phi Beta Kappa majoring in Chemistry.

After working for General Electric and serving his country in the U.S. Army, Don matriculated at Cornell University Graduate School earning a PhD in Physical Chemistry performing structural research on elemental boron and boron-rich borides. He was a long-time employee of Mound Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy (1962-1992) performing x-ray diffraction analyses supporting research and development for nuclear weapons and alternative energy programs. He was a long-time member of the American Chemical Society, American Crystallographic Association and Sigma Xi being named a Dayton-area “Outstanding Scientist” by the Dayton Affiliate Societies Council (1978). Upon retirement, Don became Adjunct Professor in the Chemistry Department at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and was instrumental for establishing The Mound Science and Energy Museum Association, serving in various leadership positions. He enjoyed teaching about his love of chemistry and particularly boron his entire life.

Don is preceded in death by his wife Judith Lynne (Deck) Sullenger of 56 years, and son Paul Eric Sullenger; brother, Arthur; sisters, Clara Belle and Mary; and brother-in-law, James Deck.

Surviving him are sons Mark (Jenita) Sullenger and Dr. Bruce (Dr. Rachel Rempel) Sullenger, grandchildren, Rebecca, Cynthia, Camilla, and James, and numerous brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don loved traveling, eating seafood, reading, ballroom dancing with Judy, learning about the natural world, gardening, listening to opera and classical music, and talking about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Memorial service through Routsong to be held at a later date.

A special thanks to his caregivers at Bethany Village for their loving attention the past couple of years.

Memorial gifts may be made to Mound Science and Energy Museum Association, 1075 Mound Rd. Miamisburg, OH 45342.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.routsong.com.