Jerel L. Donaugh, age 62, of Marion, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 10, 2013, at his residence, following several years of heart troubles.
On October 19, 1951, Jerel was born in Marion General Hospital, one of three children of Phyllis (Apt) Donaugh, who resides in Kingston of Marion, and the late Milbourne “Mel” Donaugh. He graduated from River Valley High School in the Class of 1970.
Furthering his education, Jerel graduated from the Ohio State University, with a degree in Accounting.
Shortly following his college graduation, Jerel married his one true love, Cheryl “Jane” Glock, on September 27, 1975. Together they lovingly raised three children during their nearly 30 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on April 18, 2005.
At the beginning of his working career, Jerel served as a Controller with Clark Tool & Design in Delaware. A few years later, his heart was led to take a position at the Marion County MRDD. For almost 30 years at Marion County MRDD, he dedicated himselfto ones in need as an Employment Specialist. To Jerel, those he served were more than his clients, instead, he treated them as if they were his family and friends.He also was a member of the Marion Industrial Club for several years.
First and foremost in Jerel’s life was his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was raised as a member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church, which his family helped establish. In 1996, Jerel and his family became devoted members of the Dayspring Wesleyan Church. Having a true passion for youth, he loved being a youth sponsor for the church. He taught Sunday School to middle school and high school students for over 15 years. He always shared his love of Christ with everyone he encountered, no matter the other person’s walk in life.
Jerel’s passion for youth didn’t stop at the church. For over 30 years, he enjoyed volunteering as a coach of numerous sport teams, including various area soccer and basketball organizations and Special Olympics.
To say Jerel was an avid Ohio State University Buckeye fan was a huge understatement. He astutely followed several Ohio State sports, and was an unofficial coach, always sharing his coaching advice while watching the games.
Jerel Donaugh reflected Christ’s love through his selflessness, generosity, faithfulness, and compassion. He was so caring of others, and often gave whatever he could to help people in need. He also did everything he could to empower others and teach them responsibility. He had a servant’s heart and “paid it forward” in every way…doing so in his own fun loving and playful way.
Left to cherish his memory are his three children: Matthew (Lorenda) Donaugh of Westerville; Lindsay (Jonathan) Noggle of Naples, Florida; and Bryan (Ashley) Donaugh of McCordsville, Indiana; 2 precious grandchildren: Adelynn and Maddox (Matt and Lorenda); his mother, Phyllis Donaugh of Marion; two sisters: Tina Donaugh of Centerburg, and Melanie (Charlie) Toland of Richwood; several nieces and nephews, and many dear family and friends.
His family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15th, at the Dayspring Wesleyan Church, 2431 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Chuck Osborne officiating. Burial services will be observed privately by his family in Claridon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Jerel would have wanted donations to be made to the Dayspring Wesleyan Church, c/o Youth Scholarship Fund (address above).
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger& Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Jerel’s family. Your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.