Don VanDyke

August 29, 1925-June 22,2021

Dr. Don VanDyke, died on June 22 at the age of 95.

Dr. VanDyke lived a life of service, serving in numerous capacities in the United Church of Christ and in Rotary. Don was instrumental in helping bring the American Field Service program to Kent, Ohio in the early 1960s and is remembered by those participating in the program who came from Germany, Italy, Denmark, Africa, and England.

The VanDykes continued their community involvement after moving to Oberlin, Ohio. VanDyke served on the United Church Board of World Ministries (UCBWM) and in 1971 Don and his wife, Mary Louise, were commissioned by the UCBWM, a predecessor mission body of Global Ministries, to serve for six months at the Rambo Eye Clinic in Mungeli, India. Don also participated in eye clinics in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. He was presented the Community Service Award for his involvement at Oberlin College and the First Church of Oberlin. He was a member of the American Medical Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Medical Honor Society Alpha Omega Alpha, Oberlin Alumni Association, Oberlin Business Partnerships, the Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association, Oberlin Rotary, and the Heritage Society.

An unassuming man, VanDyke preferred to work in the background as an enabler, always seeking ways to ease, enlighten and solve problems for others.

A veteran of World War II, he was drafted while in college at Oberlin and served with the 8th Armored Division in Europe in the Ruhr and other campaigns, earning three bronze stars and the Purple Heart. Following military service, he returned to Oberlin completing his studies before enrolling at Western Reserve Medical School followed by a two-year residency at Indiana University Hospitals.

Born Aug. 29, 1925, in Canton, to Dr. and Mrs. Frank VanDyke, he is survived by his wife, Mary Louise.

Condolences to the family may be sent to Mary Louise VanDyke at 140 Kendal Dr. Oberlin, OH 44074.