Donald Matthew Flower, ’59, of Hudson, Ohio, passed away on February 18, 2015. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and mentor, Don’s life was defined by leadership, service and a love of learning.
A native of Youngstown, he excelled in basketball and baseball at Boardman High School and continued both sports at Kent State, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He later served as a Teaching Fellow and doctoral candidate in business, staying connected to the university throughout his life.
Don’s professional career included leadership roles with General Tire and Continental-General Tire, as well as co-founding Hudson-based businesses including Omnisource Consultants, Creative Marketing Solutions, FitMetrics Associates and New Sigma Capital Partners. He also played an active role in the Students in Free Enterprise programs at 鶹ѡ (LaunchNET) and The University of Akron.
Known for his adventurous spirit, Don traveled extensively with his wife, Marilyn Kay, including a six-week trip to Italy that inspired him to write and publish “An Interlude in Italy: Renaissance Art on the Run.” Beyond his career and travels, Don served his community through Woodridge High School Athletic Boosters, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and the U.S. Army Reserves.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Kay; his children, Wendy Anne (Kirk) Willburger and Donald David (Heather) Flower; and five grandchildren. Those who knew Don remember him for his intelligence, generosity, humor and unwavering dedication to family, students and community.