Donald Thomas Geiger

LAKELAND - Donald Thomas Geiger, 80 of Lakeland, died on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at his home. He was born on February 28, 1936 in Wellborn, Florida to Thomas and Thelma McDonald Geiger. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 on the Randolph and Saratoga air craft carriers and the Navy photo lab in Washington D.C. He was honorably discharged in 1958. He graduated with an Industrial Arts Degree from Florida Southern College, and was a shop teacher for Polk County Schools for 39 years teaching at Bartow High School and Southwest Junior/Middle School until his retirement. Prior to his illness he attended First United Methodist Church. Don was a beloved and devoted husband and father. He loved surf fishing with his son when vacationing at Anna Maria, sailing on Lake Hollingsworth on his son's Hobie Cat, being on his boat with his family on a lake or in the gulf, riding his motorcycle with Ground Safety at Sun n Fun, mountain biking at Carter, working on cars with his son and making beautiful pieces of furniture or pens in his shop and his last woodworking project, feeding station for Liam, his son's Weimaraner. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jewel Geiger and their son, Brian Donald Geiger of Lakeland, Florida, his brothers Lewyn E. Geiger (Mary Ann) of Atlanta, Georgia, Maurice L. Geiger (Ann) of Wellborn, Florida and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 4:00 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801. Family will receive friends in the Tribute Center immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2590 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, Florida 33881, and First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Moron Drive, Lakeland, FL, 33801 or a charity of your choice. Service: 05/18/2016 Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801