Miles W. Donaldson, M.D.

Miles W. Donaldson, M.D., age 92 of Marion passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Wesleyan Health Care and Rehabilitation under the care of Heart to Heart Hospice.

Miles was born on May 5, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio the son of “R.J.” and Mildred (Miles) Donaldson.  On July 2, 1973, he married Freda Manning and she survives.  Miles joined the Army along with his brother, Hale before their uncle who was head of the draft board could draft them.  Together, they served in Korea.

After military service, following the tradition of both of his parents and siblings, he graduated from Miami of Ohio in Oxford, Ohio and was a member of PI Kappa Alpha.  He then graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and interned at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana.  He joined the medical practice of Dr. Eugene Rifner in Van Buren, Indiana and later had a private practice in South Marion.  In 1973, he joined the newly formed Marion Family Practice with Dr. Fred Dunbar and Dr. Jim Botkin where he remained active until his retirement.  During his years of practice he served in various capacities, including Chief of Staff at Marion General Hospital, and President of the Grant County Medical Society.  He remained a member of the American Medical Association until his death.

Dr. Donaldson loved being a doctor and taking care of his patients.  He especially loved delivering babies and watching them grow up and eventually delivering their babies as well.  He formed lasting friendships with the people he worked with at Marion General Hospital and Marion Family Practice.

Dr. Donaldson was raised in the Presbyterian faith and married a Baptist from East Tennessee.  They attended Morris Chapel Methodist Church until it closed.  When questioned about his religious beliefs, his answer was, “When growing up in Dayton, a hardware store gave out rulers for advertising.  On it was written – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  I have tried to live by these words.”

In addition to his wife, Freda Donaldson of Marion, Indiana, he is also survived by his children, Dr. Marilyn Jean (Jack) Taylor of Dubuque, Iowa, Megan (Doug) Schroeder of Michigan City, Indiana, Jennifer (Alvin) Limiac of Marion, Amy (Dr. Hong) Tjoa of Jefferson City, Tennessee, Jan (Dan) McClain of Ormond Beach, Florida and Jon Scott (Solveig) Manning of Indianapolis, Indiana; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his first wife, Anita Donaldson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and his sister.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 (Noon) to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.  Memorial Services will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, 505 S. Miller Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953; or to the Salvation Army, 359 N. Bradner Avenue #3385, Marion, Indiana 46952.

The family would appreciate comments, stories and memories shared online at www.ravenchoate.com.  At a later time, his ashes will be scattered at the family farm in Tennessee where he and Freda spent many happy days with family and friends.