Donald March Strong, 80, of Lake Placid steeped over into God's presence early Friday morning January 10, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Sebring. He was born on July 15, 1933 in Poughkeepsie, NY to his Eva (Ogilvie) and Melbourne Strong. He served his country in the US Navy from 1952-1956, primarily as an Auxillaryman on the USS568 Harder, and was honorably discharged as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. In 1964 he relocated his family to Ft. Lauderdale, FL from New York. Wishing to continue to serve, he joined the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department in 1968. Starting as a fire fighter and a driver of the fire trucks, he used his ability and knowledge of engines to better service their equipment. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1983 with an impeccable reputation. Donald enjoyed flying his model airplanes at the field he help create in Placid Lakes, and loved spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Strong is preceded in death by both his parents and his sister Betty Christiana. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years Jean; daughter, Cheryl Ann Philips; son, Donald Norman Strong; 3 grandchildren, Chloe Strong, David Philips and Jesse Strong; step daughter, Katherine Jarrell-Grow; step sons, Steve, Rodney, Tim and Kevin Jarrell; his sisters, Lillian Foster of Arizona and Carol Hayes of Texas; 3 nephews and 6 nieces and his beloved dog, Bailey. A service to celebrate Mr. Strong's life will be held 11:00 AM this Saturday February 1, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Lake Josephine 111 Lake Josephine Drive Sebring, FL where he attended with Dr. Kevin Ahrens officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held one half hour before service time. The family suggests donations in Donald's memory to the Good Shepherd Hospice 1110 Hammock Road Sebring, FL 33872.