Donald Melms, Jr.

Donald Carl Melms Jr. was born in Toledo on May 23, 1942.

Growing up in East Toledo he graduated from Waite High School in 1961 and attended the Toledo University. He joined the Ohio National Guard, graduated from Military Police Training in Augusta, GA and served 6 years.

Don first worked as a Senior Glass Tech at Owens Illinois working in the lab developing some of the first fiber optic cable technology.

In the 1970's he delved into real estate. He built several new homes and remodeled a few of his own.

With the inevitable speed bumps in life, Don left real estate and finished his work career at Roadway Express trucking company.

Stopping for a drink after a long day at work 38 years ago is when he locked eyes across the bar of someone who would become the absolute love of his life, Penny Irman. They have been happily married 29 years.

Don and Penny ultimately left Toledo and built a retirement home in Mesquite, NV. They then downsized and moved to Las Vegas, NV. As time went on they decided to move to The Villages in Florida to be closer to Penny's children and escape the Nevada heat.

They created many new friendships in The Villages. Since Don always had a soft spot for animals it's not surprising that on any given day you'd find some four legged friends over for a visit and a treat.

Ever the perfectionist and an avid car enthusiast, Don always tried to do the best job he could regardless of the task. Some of his best memories are from building his 1954 Ford B-Gas drag car in his parent's garage. He developed a hydraulic clutch system for the car that was innovative for the time.

He also enjoyed owning cars from several genres including a 1956 MG roadster, a 1965 Buick Skylark California and a 1985 Mustang GT 5.0.

Don is extremely proud of his two sons Gregory and Michael who have grown up to be successful men and fathers.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Donald Sr. and Alice Melms, and his sister Judy Ann Melms -Steusloff.

Don is survived by his loving wife Penny; his sons Gregory (Janet) Melms, Michael (Jessica) Melms; and his grandchildren Chloe, Gabbie, Ava, and Nicholas.

He is also survived by Stepsons Howard (Candy) Guilinger, Kent (Jennifer) Guilinger, Chad Irman; and their children Christen, Nicholas, and Penny.

Don is also survived by his life long friend Dennes Toneff.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Walker Funeral Home on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.