Donald Van Scoyoc

Donald Van Scoyoc, age 94, passed away May 7, 2024 in Orlando, FL. He was born on July 3, 1929, into a military family and lived in Galveston, Texas, the Panama Canal Zone, and Hull, Massachusetts before settling in Orlando during his high school years. After graduating from Orlando High School in 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynda Saunders, on June 12 if the same year. Later he joined the United States Marine Corps then went on to a 25-year career with the Orlando Police Department. 

During his tenure with OPD, he rose in rank from Motorcycle Patrolman, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant of the Youth Division, Captain of the Police Academy, then Deputy Chief of Administration. 

In 1964 he graduated from the FBI National Academy. Then in 1974 he received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rollins College. 

Activities he engaged in included: construction, putting in many of his neighbors' water wells, taking his family on annual vacations, membership and/or leadership in the Fraternal Order of Police, Sertoma Club, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Audubon Park Covenant Church Youth High League. He was a volunteer for UMCOR, spent time fishing on the St. John's River, and traveled extensively with wife, Lynda, to Europe, Russia, Brazil, New Zealand, and Bali. 

He was predeceased by Lynda, his wife of 72 years, by exactly 4 years and 1 day; his parents, Karl and Hilda; Brothers: William, Doug, Karl, Jr.; Sisters: Geraldine, Harriet, Virginia, Roberta; and Son-in-law Joe Haenn. 

He is survived by daughters Lynn, Lori, and Lani (Dan) and Granddaughters Kelly, Katelyn, and Anna. 

The family wishes to extend special thanks to: Windsor Place ALF and caregivers provided by Latosha Stevenson.