Donald Oliver Chinn Jr.

Donald Oliver Chinn, age 91, passed away on June 16, 2023, in Miramar, Florida. He was born on June 30, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio, to Donald Chinn Sr. and Rosamond Watson.

Donn Chinn was a phenomenal golfer, enjoyed traveling, loved music and was a gregarious soul. He was meticulous about his appearance and carried himself with distinction. He attended Lorain High School and Virginia Union University for higher education.

After completing his education, Donn began his career as a housing manager at the Richmond Housing Authority. He also worked at the DC Housing Authority and had a 33-year career at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Washington DC. He retired from HUD in 1995.

Donn was a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, where he served in Discipleship Group #20, was an usher, and a faithful attendee until his relocation to Florida.

In his free time, Donn was an avid golfer and volunteered as the lead golf course ranger. He traveled extensively and particularly enjoyed varied Caribbean sights.

Donn is survived by his life partner, Karen Turner; his daughter, Kim Chinn Brown (Johnny); his son, Stuart Chinn; his sisters, Shirley Morris, and Claudia Jones; his grandchildren, Trynna Brown, Daniel Brown, Lauren Brown, Ryan Chinn, Saniya Cato, and Amara Cato; and his "sons" Al Cato-Turner and Shane Cato-Turner. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, James Gwaltney, Grafton Stewart (Sarah) and Al Stewart; his sisters-in-law, Katherine Gresham, and Peggy Young (Raymond); as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and special friends.

Donn was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Stewart Chinn,  father, Donald Chinn Sr., mother, Rosamond Watson,  sister-in-law, Joan (Byrd) Gwaltney, brothers-in-law James Morris Sr., Kermit Gresham, and Robert K. (BJ) Jones.

Funeral services for Donn will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Oberlin, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).

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