Donald Gerard Eykyn, 78, of Columbia, SC, died on Monday, February 9, 2026. Born on August 21, 1947, in Langdon, North Dakota, he was the oldest of six children of Colonel Richard Gerard Eykyn, US Marine Corps (Ret.), and Selma Dakken Eykyn.
Raised in a military family, Don lived in eight different places from coast to coast by the time he graduated high school. He went on to graduate from The Citadel as a member of the famous class of 1969. Becoming the first graduate to present HIS father his diploma when he graduated from the Citadel was a proud moment. Don was an enthusiastic supporter and Lifetime member of The Citadel Alumni Association. He could often be heard hollering – “Go Dogs!”
After less than a 30-day stint in the Marine Corps, he started a great career in sales. R.L. Bryant, Deseret Pharmaceuticals, Billy Sheppard Trucking, Reader Digest Fund Raising and finally his long career at Millers of Columbia. After retirement, Don loved spending time with his friends and family. Lollie, Liza, Alec and his grandkids were always on his mind. He took great pride in caring for his grandchildren and treasured every moment he spent with them.
Don was married to the love of his life, Lollie Barbare Eykyn, for 52 wonderful years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Eykyn and Mary Beth Stepien.
Don is survived by his devoted wife, Lollie; his loving daughter, Elizabeth “Liza” E. Shettle (Alec) of Columbia; his beloved grandchildren, Carson Shettle, Eli Shettle, and Collins Shettle; and his three siblings, Michael Eykyn (Andrea) of Charleston, SC, Charles Eykyn of Egg Harbor Township, NJ and Patricia Bush of Brookhaven, GA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Valhalla Woods Golf Club (formerly The Woodlands) on Thursday, March 12th, from 3:00–6:00 PM. 100 Norse Way Columbia, SC 29229.
A private interment will be held at the Memorial Belltower Columbarium on the campus of The Citadel in Charleston, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, 69 Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29409.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.