Obituary of Donald Van Pelt Waddington

Donald Van Pelt Waddington, Ph.D, 89, of Boalsburg, PA, died on Friday, January 1, 2021. He was born in Norristown, PA on December 31, 1931 of the late Anna and Samuel Waddington. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Caroline Wicker Waddington, older brother Harold Waddington, younger brother Samuel Waddington, and grandson Jonathan Mann. He is survived by his children Mary Waddington of State College, PA, James Waddington of Bradenton, FL, Lauretta (Marcus) Mann of Allentown, PA, Kathy (Richard) Lirette of Pace, FL, David (Monica) Waddington of Springfield, VA, and Douglas Waddington of State College, PA; grandchildren Jarrod (Michelle) Rider, Matthew (Rebecca) Rider, David (Sarah) Mann, Steven (Gloria) Mann, Patrick Mann, Caroline Lirette, Libby Lirette, Katherine Lirette, Joseph Waddington, Theodore Waddington, Jeffrey Waddington, and Cecilia Waddington; 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. Dr. Waddington began teaching at Penn State University in 1965 and retired in 1991 as professor emeritus of soil science. plantscience.psu.edu/undergraduate/additional-programs/golf/about/directors/waddington.

Known by most as "Don", he was a season ticket holder for Penn State football and basketball. As much as the sports, he enjoyed the company of others at the events and socializing along the way. He was a member of State College Presbyterian Church since 1965. He and Caroline were founding members of the Agronomy Bridge Club and he continued to play bridge until the pandemic started. Don was an active participant in the State College Badminton Club for over 40 years, played racquetball weekly for the last 30 years, and served as a leader in Boy Scout Troop 380 for four decades and became known as, "Mr. Wilderness" for his continued coordination of the annual week-long "Wilderness" camp out. He was always willing to lend a hand to friends and neighbors, whether it be advice on lawn care, home additions, or basement projects. He set an example and taught others that if you choose to do something you should do it well, never cutting corners just to get something done.

Of all things, he was most proud of his family, always talking about his love for Caroline and bragging about his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and, of course, his cats.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit kochfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to State College Presbyterian Church, 132 West Beaver Ave., State College PA 16801 (www.scpresby.org).

A private funeral will be held for immediate family on Saturday, January 9, 2021.