Donald Leroy Seesenguth

Donald Leroy Seesenguth, 99, of East Ridge passed away Tuesday April 6, 2021 in a local medical facility.

He was born and grew up on a family farm in Adams County, Indiana. Enlisting in the Army Air Corp at 20 years of age, he became a pilot and flew 30 combat missions in B-17’s over Germany during WWII and obtained the rank of Captain. He was a Purple Heart Recipient and in 2017 was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French Consulate General. Returning home to Indiana, he worked at Central Soya Company until being recalled to the Air Force for the Korean War. There he was a B-29 Aircraft Commander and flew 38 combat missions for a Reconnaissance Group.

After returning home for several years, he transferred to Chattanooga to work at the new Central Soya Plant. In Chattanooga, he met Betty Hammack, his wife, who passed away in 2014 after 57 years of marriage. In his final years of work for Central Soya, he was Maintenance Supt. for 15 years and Supt. of Engineering for 12 years before retiring. He has been a member of the Friendship Class of Simpson United Methodist Church for over 64 years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Barthold and Elizabeth Seesenguth, and sister, Ruth Mankey.

He is survived by his Stepson, William C. Robertson, Jr. (Kathy) of Hixson, TN, Step daughter, Sandra Womack (Randy) of Germantown, TN, sister, Pauline Augsburger (Richard) of Fort Wayne, IN, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to his caregivers for their outstanding care of Don.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, April 12 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Rev. John Oldham officiating. The men of The Friendship Class are honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Simpson United Methodist Church, 601 McFarland Ave, Rossville, GA 30741.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date at Simpson United Methodist Church in Rossville, GA.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

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