J.G. Donald Edelmann

J. G. Donald Edelmann was born on May 20, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Louise Mary Edelmann and John George Edelmann. Four years later, his brother James Patrick Edelmann was born, completing their family.  J.G. passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Don attended Polytech and Mergenthaler High Schools during the years of World War II, when air raid warnings sometimes sent families to their basements for safety. The family moved several times before settling in Gardenville, a Baltimore neighborhood bordered by a forest that stretched toward Philadelphia. Don loved exploring the outdoors there.

Life brought both joys and hardships. Don’s mother lost her brother just one month after the D-Day invasion, a loss that deeply affected the family. When Don was twelve, his parents divorced, and his mother went to work. Don took on responsibility for caring for his younger brother after school, often preparing dinner and helping keep the household running.

At seventeen, Don moved to Washington, D.C., where he began working—first as a counter cook, then in a printing factory, and later securing his first solid job with Western Electric, part of the Bell System. He became a central office installer, working throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

In 1958, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army. After basic training at Fort Jackson, he was transferred to Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he completed his service before returning to Bell companies.

While assigned to a large central office in Washington, D.C., Don met Carole, the love of his life. Just three months later, they decided to marry—and on October 15, 1961, they began a union that lasted more than six decades.

In 1963, Don went into business with his brother, eventually opening a successful seafood restaurant in Laurel, Maryland. After more than a decade in business, he moved on from the restaurant in 1974 to focus on family and faith, raising their son Eric (Edelmann) and daughter Dawn (Kemmerlin).

While Don worked tirelessly, Carole was equally devoted to searching for spiritual truth. A visit from a pioneer couple opened the door to her study of the Bible. Over time, Don joined her studies, and when he was shown Psalm 83:18, his faith deepened. Together, Don and Carole dedicated their lives to serving Jehovah—a commitment that became the foundation of their marriage and family.

For over 64 years, Don and Carole faithfully served Jehovah together, worshipping in congregations in Lanham, Lanham East, and Bowie, Maryland, and later in Cayce and St. Matthews, South Carolina, where they settled in the early 1980s.

Don’s life was a journey of hard work, faith, and enduring love. He often encouraged others with this message:

“Serve Jehovah to the best of your ability. Keep far from the world of Satan and the people in it. Put all your trust in Jehovah—His love and peace will surround you and make your way a happy journey.”

What a wonderful journey it has been indeed.

Graveside services will be held at11:00 A.M., Thursday, October 30, 2025 at West End Cemetery in St. Matthews.

Survivors include his wife, Carole Williams Edelmann; a son, Eric Scott (Stacy) Edelmann; a daughter, Dawn (John) Kemmerlin; a grandchild, Matthew Lee (Emily) Whitehurst; and a great-grandson, Crawford Lee Whitehurst. He was predeceased by a grandson, Justin Michael Whitehurst.

Culler-McAlhany Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.