A Celebration of the Life of Donn R. Vermilion, 75, of Newark, will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, in the Newark Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Eric Miller. Following the service, Donn will be laid to rest at Wilson Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Donn's life and bidding him a fond farewell.

Donn passed peacefully surrounded by his family Monday morning, July 22, 2024, after a courageous 17-year battle with cancer.  He was born May 15, 1949, in Newark to the late Dale and Helen (Bell) Vermilion.  A 1967 graduate of Newark High School, Donn attended Miami University and graduated from Ohio State University.  He retired from Granville, Owens-Corning Science and Technology, as a Senior Research Scientist after 42 years.

Donn's professional achievements were significant, and he was named on an impressive 72 US patents. Beyond his professional life, he was involved in the community. A long-time Christ United Methodist Church member, he served as a trustee and volunteered for many years at the Salvation Army. He also served on True Core F.C.U., C-Tec, and The Works boards.
Donn's zest for life was evident in his love for sports and the great outdoors. He was an avid fan of Ohio State Football and the Cincinnati Reds.

Over the years, he enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's band and sporting events. His adventurous spirit led him to enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing, and sled riding. He was a proud Death Wind Long Rifles Muzzle Loader Club member. Donn was also a Little League baseball coach for his five sons.

Survivors include his love of over 60 years, wife, Patricia (Braunbeck) Vermilion, whom he married December 27, 1969; sons, Kenneth (Rebecca J.), Jason (Rebecca L.), Blake, Mark (Rebecca S.), and Phil (Kelly); brothers, Blair (Kay) Vermilion, Bryan (Dee) Vermilion; sisters, Carol (Dave) Maiyer, Sharon (Wayne) Breakfield and Gayle (Gregg) Coffman; 20 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 1850 W. Main Street, Newark.