Megnin

Dr. Donald Frederick Megnin, 95, born in Syracuse, N.Y., passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's dementia.

Born Dec. 10, 1928, to German immigrants, Frederick and Emilie Bartholomae Megnin, he was the youngest of three siblings, and the first born in the United States.

The “Valley Farm” in Manlius, N.Y., was home until he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1954 from Syracuse University, which he attended on scholarship from the Robert Bolton Family. Donald taught as an instructor at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, before returning to school at Boston University, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree.

At Boston University he met and married the love of his life, Julia Mae King, of Goshen, Ind. As their lives together began, he served as minister of First Ward United Methodist Church in Syracuse. In 1965, he earned his Master of Arts degree, and in 1967 his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. Upon graduation, he accepted the position of professor of international politics at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, becoming head of the political science department.

During the next 30 years his focus was family, travel to five of the seven continents, politics, golf, and service to countless student groups and Rotary International, where he served as District Governor. As professor emeritus in 1995, he and Julia moved to New Smyrna Beach, Fla., to pursue their lifelong interests with greater zeal — even publishing dozens of books and articles during retirement. In 2012, he and Julia returned to Central New York, where they had begun their lives together some 50 years earlier. Most meaningfully, Donald was a mentor and a loving, influential example to so many — whether in his congregation, family, classes or global community.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 62 years, Julia; brother, Volkmar (Eva Smiley and Claire Hossbein) Megnin; and sister, Ingetraude Megnin (Frederick) Schoeck.

He is survived by his sons, Martin and Dan (Katie) Megnin. He is also survived by grandchildren, Corinne Morris, Colin Megnin, Christine (Justin) Vargas, Heath Megnin and Seth Megnin; and great-granddaughter, Kyleigh Morris; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

MEGNIN — A calling hour for Dr. Donald Frederick Megnin, who died Tuesday, July 16, 2024, will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at EATON-TUBBS FAYETTEVILLE CHAPEL, 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, N.Y., with a memorial service to follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse, immediately following. A reception to celebrate his life will be held at the Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Slippery Rock University Foundation, SRU Foundation, Inc., Slippery Rock University, 104 Maltby, Suite 100, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.

For more information, visit www.scheppfamily.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.