Donald Eugene Donica, 80, resident of New Castle, passed away on September 22, 2020 at his home following a brief illness. He was born July 28, 1940 in New Castle, Indiana
He attended New Castle Chrysler High School, graduating in 1958. While in high school, he worked at Marsh Supermarket as a bag carrier. Immediately upon graduation, Donald joined the Armed Services Naval Division. From 1958 to 1961, he was a Sonar Radar man on the U.S.S. Steinecker DDR-863 stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. On March 26, 1961, Donald married the love of his life and sweetheart Stella M. Davis-Donica. They shared 59 wonderful years together. He operated Donica’s Tax Service for 48 years and studied tax laws and preparation every year since 1970. He worked at Dana Corporation in New Castle for 25 years. Donald also worked for the Indiana Department of Correction at Pendleton Correctional facility during 1990’s.
Donald attended First Baptist Church of New Castle since 1978 where he was very active as a volunteer. He served in the position there as usher, deacon, treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and enjoyed his truck stop ministry. He was ordained on November 24, 1974 as a minister to share the gospel of Jesus Christ which he did faithfully. Donald joined Gideon International Bible Ministry on June 4, 1991. He passed out New Testament Bibles everywhere he traveled never hesitating to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ. He also enjoyed collecting coins, stamps and navy ships.
Donald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved his family and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Stella Donica; a son, Robert “Bob” Donica of Fishers, Indiana; a daughter, Christina “Christy” Sheward (Greg) of Plymouth, Indiana; two grandsons, Dustin Ellson (Danielle) of Kirklin, Indiana, Noah Donica of Chicago, Illinois; two granddaughters, Alyson Oliver (Eddie) of Richmond, Virginia and Cierra Ellson of Plymouth, Indiana; two great-grandsons, Colt Blackburn of New Whiteland, Indiana and Kylo Ellson of Kirklin, Indiana; six brothers, Gail Donica (Opal) of Port St. Luce, Florida, James Donica of Muncie, Indiana, Gary Donica (Marsha) of Florence, South Carolina, Charles Donica (Pearl) of Ogden, Utah, Otis Donica (Juanita) of New Castle, Indiana, Lloyd Donica (Debbie) of Hampton, Virginia; two sisters, Charlotte Anderson (Mike) of New Castle, Indiana and Karen Donica of Muncie, Indiana; sister-in-law, Joyce Davis and brother-in-law, Glen Davis (Faye) both of New Castle, Indiana. Several nephews and nieces also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wenford and Violet Donica; a granddaughter, Alexandra Donica; three brothers, Wayne, Gerald, and David Donica (Anita) all of New Castle, Indiana; two sisters, Madeline and Kathleen (Hinton) Donica; niece, Kathryn Thompson; nephew, Charles Michael Hinton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 709 S. Memorial Drive, New Castle, Indiana on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jerry Ingalls officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m., until service time Monday at the church. Military Honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. On-line condolences may be made at www.macerhall.com. The funeral directors and staff of Macer-Hall-Marcum & Moffitt Funeral Home are honored to serve the Donald Donica family.