Donald Garland Essex, 68, of Hot Springs, Virginia died Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at his residence.

Mr. Essex was born January 2, 1949 in Highland County to the late Eugene B. Essex Sr. and Syble Scott Essex.

Donald retired from the Omni Homestead resort as a fly fishing instructor after 25 years with the hotel. He was member of Life Line Ministries and served with the United States Navy in the Vietnam War.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Darlene Scales Essex of Hot Springs; three sons, Chris Essex and his wife, Carlisa, of Warm Springs, Ben Essex of Hot Springs and Eric Essex and Amanda Leonard of Falling Spring; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren; two sisters, Sherba Essex of Yorktown and Barbara Boggs of Newport News; one brother, Eugene B. Essex Jr and wife, Janet of Sun Prairie WI, and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A Celebration of His Life will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. in the Life Line Ministries Church at Hot Springs with Pastor Zach Royer officiating.

The family will receive their friends following the service on Saturday.