Donald Robert Engels Sr.

Donald Robert Engels Sr., 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on April 10, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL. Donald was born in Rock Island, Illinois, on June 17, 1936, to the late Otto and Helen Engels. Donald graduated from Rock Island High School in 1954. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and was assigned to Norman, Oklahoma. He was then transferred to Pensacola, Florida, where he met and married the love of his life, Sara Jacquelyn Merritt, in 1960. After graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois, in 1961, they moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to work in that field. Donald eventually entered into a new business with his extended family in the moving and storage business. For many years, he faithfully served as the President of the Greater Jacksonville Movers Association. Donald's legacy extended deeply into his community. He served as a Knight with the Knights of Columbus, President of the Most Holy Redeemer Parish Council and chaired the Parish Building Committee, overseeing the construction of the new sanctuary. He served his faith with commitment and grace. A business owner, he built a foundation of integrity and hard work, guiding others with pragmatic compassion. For 40 years, he illuminated Jacksonville with one of the city's largest outdoor Christmas decoration displays, lovingly referred to as "The Christmas House", a testament to his festive spirit and love for bringing people together.

Don is preceded in death by his wife, "Jackie" Sara Jacquelyn Engels; his beloved pet, Buddie; his parents, Otto and Helen Engels; and his brother, Marvin Engels. He is survived by their four children, Pam Bennett (Rusty), Dr. Donald R. Engels, Jr., Karen Krueger (Matt) and Kevin Engels (Beth); grandchildren, Sara Wynn (Jason), Krist Bennett (Randi Jean), Jennifer Pike, Courtney Nix (Scott), Martin Krueger, and Sean Engels; great grandchildren, Lyle, Sydney, Conner, Cooper, Natalee, Logan, Callie, Nate, and Charlotte; brother, Richard Engels; sisters, Patricia Hergert (Daryl) and Carol Engels, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His Heart soars always over Miladore, Wisconsin, but is tethered firmly to Pensacola, Florida, the birth origin of his truest Love, Sara Jacquelyn. A Husband of the Great Nurse, son, brother, Dog Father, friend, pragmatic, compassionate, funeral director of compassion, considerate boss (per thesaurus - Big Kahuna, Head Honcho, Kingpin), Pere Noel, Papa Noel, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, St.Nicholas, Kris Kringle, GP or Grandpa to His grandchildren and to His children, a Great Dad.

Mathew 3:17 - A voice was heard; this is my son whom I love, and I am well pleased.

The task is mastered, the job is done, perfectly. It is Finished. Rest now, my sweet Father, I love you. Godspeed. ... ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang.

Don's parting words were always "God Bless You".

A Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 8523 Normandy Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32221., with Reverend Donal Sullivan officiating. Burial at the Jacksonville National Cemetery will be at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toys for Tots, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Don's name.

Warren Family Funeral Services is honored to serve Donald's family at this time.