Donald Gene Lemley, Jr.

Donald Gene Lemley, Jr, passed away on February 15, 2025 at the age of 66. He was a man of deep faith, boundless curiosity, and unwavering love for his family.

Born on March 9, 1958, in Marietta, Ohio. Don grew up with a strong sense of faith and family. He always spoke with great fondness of his small-town childhood in St. Mary’s, WV. A proud son of West Virginia, he graduated from South Charleston High School and went on to attend West Virginia Institute of Technology. He met his wife, Theresa Pierce, while attending South Charleston. They were married on November 28, 1981, and would go on to have two children, Katherine and Donnie

Don's life was marked by a constant pursuit of knowledge, curiosity about the world, and determination to excel in whatever he pursued. Growing up, he was heavily involved in Scouting, and completed all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout by the age of fifteen.

His passion for electronics led him to a successful career as a computer software and hardware engineer. As his career progressed, he made significant contributions to the telecommunications field, spending the last 18 years of his career at Tellabs. There, he retired as Director of Marketing and Project Development and played a key role in the development of the CableSpan project, an early cable internet technology that helped shape modern telecommunications. 

But his fascination with electronics was more than just a job. Many of his hobbies and even a small business grew out of his love for electrical engineering. Don first became a Ham Radio operator as a teenager, and later obtained his Extra Class license, the highest designation in Amateur Radio. Over the years, he communicated, not only with friends and family, but also with other hams all over the world through Amateur Radio. In the 1990s, he founded Gracilis, a small business which merged his passions for Amateur Radio and computer technology. Don’s final callsign, W8DL, he inherited from his father.

Don was deeply devoted to his faith. He grew up attending Dewey Avenue church of Christ in St. Mary’s, WV, and later became a longtime member of the West Chicago church of Christ. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He was a lifelong student of the Bible and accumulated an impressive collection of biblical commentaries. He always looked forward to singing hymns with his church family.

He loved music from an early age. During his school years, he learned to play the organ, and sang in the South Charleston High School Chorale and the WV Tech singers. As a teenager, he began to accumulate a collection of vinyl records spanning many artists and genres. His interest in music led him to a job at the local stereo store, making sure to build himself a great home setup. He passed on his passion for music to his family, sharing a particular love for stereos and live concerts with his son.

Winter was Don’s favorite time of year. He looked forward to the magic of Christmas and the beauty of falling snow. He loved the smell of a Frasier Fir tree, and made sure every year that the family brought home the best Christmas tree on the lot. He crafted elaborate treasure hunts for Christmas gifts and delighted in watching his children solve the rhyming clues. He and his wife Theresa loved to take drives together and admire the snow.

Don's greatest love and pride was his family. Growing up as the oldest of six siblings, he always strove to keep his family close even as everyone moved out and hundreds of miles kept them apart. He took so much joy listening to his children play music in school bands and attended every event as their biggest fan. As they grew and left home, he would always rush to the phone to hear them talk about their days, careers and lives. Later in life, this joy extended to his grandchildren and listening to stories of their most recent accomplishments and triumphs.

Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His family is thankful that he was able to bless others even after his passing through the gift of cornea donation. We take comfort in the knowledge that Don is in the palm of God’s hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Theresa Lemley; his children, Katherine Garner (Benjamin) and Donnie Lemley; and his cherished grandchildren, Henry and Rosemary Garner. He also leaves behind his siblings: Sheila Richmond (Jerry), Rob Lemley (Dawn), Ginger Lemley, Alan Waters (Lisa), and Angie Waters, as well as many nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Gene Lemley, Sr., and Geraldine Nelson Lemley. 

A visitation will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Norris-Segert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 132 Fremont Street (One block north of Washington St. & Main St.). A funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 A.M, also at Norris-Segert Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the West Virginia Rivers Coalition or Shults-Lewis Children and Family Services.

TO VIEW DON'S FUNERAL SERVICE PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW