Donald W. Edmonston

Donald Wayne Edmonston, aged 94, residing in Windermere, Florida passed away on May 20, 2023. Wayne was born in Hornersville, Missouri in 1929, a son of William and Rhoda Edmonston who preceded him in death.

Also preceding him was his devoted partner Joseph Bailey and siblings Edna Irene Edmonston, Pauline Nettles and her husband Cecil, Opal Floyd and her husband J.T., Luna Clements and her husband John, Everette Edmonston, Beatrice Best and her husband Ralph, Wilma Gunter and her husband Rembert, Floyd Edmonston, James Edmonstone and his wife Cora, Leonard Edmonston and his wife, Donnis. Wayne was the last of his ten siblings and their spouses to pass.  Wayne is survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.

One of his greatest passions was flying, having obtained his private pilot’s license at age 16.  He joined the United States Air Force at age 18 and served for five years, most notably in Brazil and Japan. He traveled to most parts of the United States and many foreign countries.  Wayne lived the majority of his full and active life in Florida and especially enjoyed boating and birdwatching.  He also loved Disney World, having visited the park  every year from its opening in 1971 for 48 straight years.  Wayne had a great interest in antique automatic musical instruments and spent twenty years in the restoration of these pieces. He was internationally recognized for his expertise and meticulous craftsmanship.  Many pieces of his past collection can be found in museums in many countries.  He was a long time member of the Music Box Society International and the Automatic Musical Instruments Collectors Association.