DONALD POLEN
Donald William Polen, 91, of High Springs, Fla., passed away August 24, 2025. He was born in Lewisville, Ohio, June 11, 1934, the son of Clelland Raymond and Eva Pearl (Distler) Polen.
Don was a graduate of Lewisville High School and earned a BSME degree from The Ohio State University. He completed ROTC training at Ohio State and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
Don was very proud of his Lewisville community. He felt privileged to have so many friends and mentors. He participated in many school, church, 4-H, and community activities.
Don was a natural-born engineer. From his early days of building things with his toy erector set to installing a Maytag Engine on his little red wagon to making things with a jigsaw, he was dedicated to developing better products.
His first product engineering job was with National Cash Register in Dayton. A few years later, he became a product engineering manager at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. After a memorable trip to Disney World, in 1973 Don made a bold decision to leave his career at Ford and move his family to Naples. He was drawn to the warm climate, the southwestern breeze, and the lifestyle that Naples offered. Now an entrepreneur, he established Bonita Springs Auto Mart and soon thereafter Naples Auto Mart. In 1977, Don founded Collier County’s first eco-friendly housing insulation business (FL Home Insulators). He built his own industrial building and designed and supervised construction of several residential homes.
On July 19, 1958, Don married the love of his life, Onda Lee Hamilton of Beallsville, Ohio. Together, they began a beautiful journey, welcoming two daughters in Dayton; then their son in Detroit. Eventually, Onda Lee’s parents joined them in SW Florida, and the family shared countless, joyful gatherings until Onda’s passing in 1988. Don’s life with Onda Lee was a testament of love, courage, and devotion to family.
Never one to shy away from new beginnings, Don married Marilyn Pavlick on June 22, 1996. Don built their dream home on the water in Naples, where he lovingly helped raise his stepdaughter, Cindy. In retirement, Don and Marilyn enjoyed summers in North Carolina, boating and RV adventures, traveling to see the world, and making new memories. Later they moved to High Springs to be closer to Cindy and her growing family. Surrounded by his loving family, Don passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Fla.
Don was a man of quiet strength and unwavering dedication. Throughout his life, he exemplified the values of faith, service, and love. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church and a proud member of the Stafford Lodge #300, F. & A.M., in Stafford, Ohio, where he upheld the principles of the Masonic Fraternity with honor.
His deep love for family shaped the lives of those around him. Through his wisdom, kindness, and strength, Don created a foundation of resilience and connection. Don built a life filled with optimism and integrity. His example and the lessons he shared will live on in our hearts, reminding us to live with compassion, courage, and hope.
In the words of his son, Brad: “Let the eagle soar!”
Don is survived by his wife of 29 years, Marilyn Pavlick Polen; daughters Kimberly (Terry) Nowak and Pamela (Christopher) Irvine; son Bradley Polen; stepdaughter Cindy Pearce; grandchildren Maclane Keohane, Duane Keohane, John Irvine; step-grandchildren Hunter Pearce, Mabel Pearce; brother George (Shirley) Polen; sister Donna Jean (Edward) Beery; nephews Gregory Polen, Michael Polen; niece Traci (Tim) Cekander; great-nephew Trevor Cekander. Don was preceded in death by his wife Onda Lee (Hamilton) Polen (d.1988), mother of his children; father Clelland Raymond Polen; mother Eva Pearl (Distler) Polen; stepmother Vera (Unger) Polen.
We welcome family and friends to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Koreshan State Park, Estero. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
