On March 8, 2015, one day after his 75th birthday,
Col. (retired) Donald F. Logsdon Jr. PhD, passed away. A great man who touched many people, he spent his life loving, learning, teaching, and serving his country. Beyond his honorable service and glittering academic achievements, Donald was a sweet, kind and generous family man, a devoted husband of 51 years, the guiding light and friend to his four children, and beloved grandpa to his five grandchildren. Mere words cannot describe our Dad’s calm, clear advice, genuine kindness, and eternal optimism. Our Dad was very proud of all of his children and their families, cheering our every success. Our hearts are broken as we try to go on, as he would gently insist. He loved us and we love and miss him so much. Don/Dad/Grandpa was our rock and hero.
His beloved parents Donald Sr. and Wilma Logsdon of Chicago, Illinois, whom he wrote a letter to every week, preceded Donald Jr. in death. His brothers, Thomas Logsdon, David Logsdon and Ken Logsdon, whom he often spoke of fondly and kept in contact with, survive him. Donald recently celebrated his 51st anniversary and is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Logsdon (née Graham), Donald is survived by his four devoted children, his eldest son David Logsdon and his wife Brigette Logsdon and their children Paige Logsdon, Vanessa Logsdon, and Daphne Logsdon, his son Christopher Logsdon and his wife Randi Logsdon, his daughter Cynthia Logsdon, her children Genevieve and Ariel, and his daughter Valory Messier (née Logsdon) and her husband Ray Messier.
Don earned his first Bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University, then worked at Argonne National Labs, taught at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and was featured teaching in Norman Ross’s talk show in Chicago. He joined the Air Force as a commissioned officer and continued his education while in the military. While working at the School of Aerospace Medicine, President John F. Kennedy personally awarded him a citation medal. As a Biomedical Laboratory Officer, he was assigned to USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, then to Luke AFB, then to the USAF Academy where he taught organic chemistry, and the USAF Environmental Health Laboratory at McClellan AFB. After leaving active service, he remained in the Air Force reserves before finally retiring as a full colonel. During these reserve years, he began another career as a university professor. After years of teaching for several colleges, he advanced to Director of the Sacramento branch of Chapman University (then College). At one point, he expanded the Chapman extension program to five locations in the Sacramento area.
Donald achieved 24 university degrees: a PhD in Zoology, a PhD in Online Education, 18 Master degrees, and 4 bachelor’s degrees in a wide variety of subjects. In January 2015, he began classes for a third PhD, in History while teaching at 5 universities online. Our Dad was very proud of his children that attended and graduated from college and was able to attend his eldest granddaughter’s graduation ceremony. He was looking forward to two more of his grandchildren’s university graduations in the near future.
In 1999, he developed cancer, losing the ability to speak, but recovered. He started another brilliant career as an online instructor. His indefatigable energy and drive soon had him teaching online. Over the years, he worked for many universities and colleges across the country being qualified in over 24 academic subjects, taught thousands of college students and has over 600 publications to his name. During the past few years, he suffered several health setbacks but Dad never gave up, was always positive, had a great sense of humor, loved life, and championed his whole family.
Don was a voracious reader of many subjects but science-related and science fiction books were his favorites. A lifelong Democrat, our Dad loved politics, always voted and made sure we did, as well. He loved animals and could often be seen petting a dog or cat. Before his cancer, he enjoyed eating good food, laughter, and getting together with his family made him most happy. Our Dad watched many British television shows and anything about nature or science. Donald was a moral man who was there for his wife, children, and grandchildren as mentor and companion and who always had time to offer a helpful suggestion or kind word. Dad said we should always think the best of people, to be fair, and try to be helpful and positive. He was our best friend and hero, a good man in all respects and no words can say how much he was loved and how we will forever cherish our time with him.
[S5] Find A Grave, → Memorial ID 168045485.
1940 - 2015 (75 years)
Siblings
. Cynthia Lenore LOGSDON, b. 6 May 1968, Bexar, Texas 
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