Donald K. Orban - Adel, Formerly Of Gainesville

Donald Kenneth Orban, 79, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015, at his home in Adel, Iowa with family by his side, following a lengthy illness. He was formerly a resident of Gainesville FL, and moved to Adel this winter to be close to family. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 2, at the Adel United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the start of service on Monday. Dr. Orban was born June 10, 1935, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Steven and Irene Orban. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John and his grandson Tyson Mejia. Donald attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA, on a band scholarship where he enjoyed playing the drums in New Orleans in a jazz band. He graduated in 1958 w/ his Bachelor's Degree in Speech & Theater. He served in the Finance Unit of the Army Reserve before attending Indiana University, Bloomington IN, where he earned his Master's in 1961, and Ph.D. in 1973. He was a Professor of Speech & Communication at various universities including Emporia State University in Emporia, KS, and most recently at University of Florida in Gainesville, FL., retiring in 2002. In his retirement, he volunteered as a Curriculum Adviser to the U.S. Center for World Mission in Gainesville, FL where he helped convert a contemporary-based lesson plan to one more suited to the nontraditional student. He also taught Sunday School for seniors for 14 years at Grace at Fort Clarke, a United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Fl. Don loved his family, his Lord and his friends. He had a passion for writing, and enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and playing Canasta. Donald is survived by his wife Pauline of the home, sons Donald K. II ( (Amy) of Adel, and Steven C. (Kelly) of North Liberty, IA, daughter Karen Lynn Orban of Grandview MO; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Adel United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at this site. Service: 10:00 AM Monday March 2, 2015 United Methodist Church Adel, Iowa Visitation: Family will greet friends from 9:00 AM until service time. United Methodist Church Adel, Iowa