Don Eric Fledderjohn

Don Eric Fledderjohn passed away at home with his family in the early morning of November 5, 2024. Don was born in Indianapolis in 1941, the son of Riley and Virginia Fledderjohn, and brother to Karl Ross Fledderjohn. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1959 and continued to Butler University, where he played basketball for Tony Hinkle and furthered his support serving on Butler’s alumni board. Upon graduating he joined the family business, Master Glass & Color, which he ran for years after his father’s passing. 

One of the most significant aspects of Don's life was his faith and devotion to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and its neighborhood mission. As a young boy he participated in the Tab recreation program. His dedication to Tab remained strong throughout his life, including many years of service as a church officer. Don's true passion lay in his interactions with youth, especially through his work mentoring and coaching basketball for neighborhood high school students. Don eventually took on a leadership role in Tab Community Services Inc. (TCSI). TCSI’s partnership with the Colts, and various community organizations resulted in the creation of a new turf field and stadium at Tab. Furthering the mission of neighborhood outreach, Don played an active role in the leadership and direction of the Raphael Health Center for many years.

Don’s love of golf was paramount in his life. All who played with him remarked at his smooth fluid natural swing. He was a longtime member at Crooked Stick Golf Club where he proudly served as club president during the Solheim Cup. True to his desire to support young people, Don helped to develop the Pete and Alice Dye Junior Invitational, an annual tournament for junior golfers to compete on a national stage. 

Don is survived by his wife, Linda (Smeltzer) with whom he shared a wonderful romance of over 60 years. A framed quote hanging in their kitchen captured who Don was as a husband and a father; “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Their family includes three daughters – Heidi Fledderjohn, Gretchen Clary (Mike), and Erica Fledderjohn (Nolan Smith) as well as six grandchildren – Maya, Owen, Finn and Riley Clary, Beatrice and Hugo Smith. “Bogey” as his grandchildren called him was beloved. 

Don’s legacy will be his kindness, steadiness, gentle spirit, joy, and his love. He loved music and was singing to the Mill Brothers until his last days. He had a wonderful sense of humor and everything he did was marked with integrity. He will be greatly missed. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church at 418 E 34th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church Recreation Program, Raphael Health Center, First Tee, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.