Donald W. Sheehan – Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army

by

Government Official

From a contemporary press report:

Donald W. Sheehan, 91, who worked more than a half-century for the federal government before retiring as a manpower analyst for an Army Department agency, died of pulmonary fibrosis March 23, 2004, at his daughter’s home in Annandale.

Colonel Sheehan, who was born in Trenton, New Jersey, had lived in Arlington since he was 11 years old. He attended Central High School at night while working as a messenger for the War Department in 1929. He rose through the clerical and administrative ranks and then joined the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.

As a Second Lieutenant, he sold war bonds to soldiers in combat zones in Europe. Upon his return to Washington, he switched to the administrative and management side of the Corps of Engineers.

In 1963, he became a legislative specialist with the Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command in Alexandria and later moved into manpower analysis and efficiency management. His final job required a certain amount of diplomacy as he carried out inspections of Army installations and assessed personnel issues.

In 1979, he was honored with a 50-year service pin at a ceremony that cited his dedication and professionalism. He retired six years later.

Sheehan also served in the Army Reserve before retiring in 1972 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He was a member of the Alexandria-Washington Masonic Lodge, Alexandria Scottish Rite, Kena Shrine and Songfellows of Arlington. Until this past year, he led guided tours of the replica room at George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

He was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Arlington, serving as a Scoutmaster, Sunday school teacher, and church committee and choir member.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Barbara Skidmore Sheehan of Arlington; two children, Donna Gladis of Annandale and Gary Sheehan of Gurnee, Illinois; two brothers, Robert Sheehan of Venice, Florida, and James Sheehan of Arlington; a sister, Elizabeth Brunner of Atlanta; and three grandchildren.

SHEEHAN, DONALD W. (Age 91)

Of Arlington, Virginia, on Tuesday, March 23, 2004. Survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara Skidmore Sheehan; children, Donna Gladis and Gary Sheehan; grandchildren, Kimberly Gladis, Jessica Gladis and Nathan Sheehan; brothers, Robert Sheehan and James Sheehan; and sister, Elizabeth Brunner.

Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The Calvary Foundation (at church address) or Hospice of Northern Virginia, 6565 Arlington Blvd., Suite 501, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

SHEEHAN, DONALD W
LTC US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 01/02/1943 – 02/02/1972
DATE OF BIRTH: 11/05/1912
DATE OF DEATH: 03/23/2004
DATE OF INTERMENT: 05/03/2004
BURIED AT: SECTION 5-LL  ROW 10  SITE 3

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