Roll Call Tribute

Donald King Hinkle, Col. USAF (Ret) USPHS (Ret) DVM 

April 4, 1930 - May 8, 2024 

Don, a loving, caring & generous husband, father & grandfather died peacefully on May 8, 2024. He was born in 1930 in Shaker Heights, OH, to Lester & Marie Hinkle. He graduated from Garrettsville High School & earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ohio State University. Don practiced general animal medicine in Wilmette, IL before he was commissioned into the US Air Force, serving in the Veterinary Corps during the Vietnam era. Don graduated from the School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, TX in 1966. He completed a residency program in Laboratory Animal Medicine in College Station, TX & was inducted as a Diplomate, American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) 1974. Don completed his public health requirements at Harvard School of Public Health.

He used all this background & knowledge in his many unusual assignments while stationed both in the US & the Republic of the Philippines. Don served in various roles, including establishing the first Rabies diagnostic services for the 13th Air Force & conducting arbovirus studies in Vietnam. After his tour in the Philippines, Dr. Hinkle was sent to the Naval Air Development Center in Johnsville, PA where he continued his biomedical research, published over 35 scientific publications & conducted cardiovascular studies in dogs subjected to positive G Forces, similar to those experienced by fighter pilots & astronauts. Don transitioned from the USAF to the US Public Health Service, where he studied the effects of pesticides. He retired as a Colonel & continued his career as a Director & Clinical Veterinarian at the Mannheimer Epidemiology Foundation in Homestead, FL. He later worked as a USDA consultant & relief veterinarian in NC. Active in community service, Don was a Kiwanis club president in Miami, a US Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer & a member of the first Habitat for Humanity chapter in Dade County, FL. He participated in a blitz building program with President Jimmy Carter, helped rebuild homes after Hurricane Floyd & volunteered with Christian Veterinary Mission programs in Bolivia. Don was an active member of Kendall United Methodist Church, Miami, FL and also a member of Asbury United Church, Raleigh, NC.

Beyond his veterinary accomplishments Don was a devoted lover of animals, especially dogs. From a young age, he had many dogs, including Sir Eric, a St. Bernard, who pulled him on a sled during Ohio winters. Don's affection for dogs was lifelong & he passed this love to his daughter & granddaughter. His kind & gentle manner endeared him to every animal he met. In 1953, Don married Patricia "Pat" Price from Hiram, OH. Their daughter, Lynne, was born in 1963. He will be remembered for his boundless patience, unwavering kindness & a heart full of love. Don's gentle spirit & sharp sense of humor brought joy to everyone who knew him. His docile nature & warm presence created a home filled with affection & a quiet wit. Don's world revolved around the women in his life, his wife, Pat & daughter, Lynne. Don was an exceptional husband whose love & dedication knew no bounds. He was a constant source of support & strength, always patient & understanding. His kind & loving nature created a bond with his spouse that was unbreakable, filled with mutual respect & endless affection - true soul mates. Don's sense of humor brought light to even the toughest days & his gentle demeanor made him a true life partner in every sense. He was not just a husband but a best friend & confidant, whose love & devotion will be deeply missed & forever cherished.

Don is survived by his wife, Pat, daughter, Lynne Goodman (Rick), grandson Zachary & granddaughter Morgan. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Susan Maria Hinkle, father & mother, Lester & Marie Hinkle, as well as four sisters & one brother. The family wishes to thank Transitions Life Care & their staff for their loving care of Don & his family. Special thanks go to Dr. Sutton, Heather, Patti, Jennifer, Linda & Andy. And extra special thanks goes to Virginia Wolf. The immediate family had a private memorial service on 5/20/24. Don will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a future date.