Don Perkins Lazenby ’52

Don Perkins Lazenby ’52, a well-liked and greatly respected longtime resident of Fort Myers, Fla., passed away on May 7, 2012, at Hospice House after a prolonged struggle with lymphoma. He was born in Bluefield, W.Va., on Feb. 3, 1929. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Davidson in 1952. At Davidson, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In 1969, he went on to earn a graduate degree in banking from the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University. He and Madeleine “Monie” Freeman were married Aug. 16, 1954, in Bluefield. After their marriage, they moved to North Carolina, where he began his career at Wachovia Bank. The family relocated to Fort Myers in 1965 when Lazenby took a position with Lee County Bank. He concluded a distinguished career as president of South Florida Bank. Lazenby was a naturally gifted athlete, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and track in both high school and college. He continued to pursue his love of sports playing golf (scoring two holes in one!), and also coaching junior pro and church league basketball. He was an avid bridge player. A devoted family man, he enjoyed vacationing and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Active at Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, he served as both a deacon and an elder and regularly enjoyed a Wednesday prayer breakfast group. He supported local community organizations including the Kiwanis Club and Civil Service Board, among others. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Clyde and Eula Perkins Lazenby, his twin sister, Dorothy “Dot” Martin, and her husband, Wade Martin. His wife, Madeleine, 1303 Vesper Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33901, daughter, Sarah Lazenby, and son, Bill Lazenby (Laurie) survive him. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jonathan Simon, Jennifer, Barbara Ann, Emily, and Will Lazenby, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.