Donald spent his early years in the Himalayan foothills of Mussoorie, where his parents ministered, cared for orphans, and operated a Christian bookstore. In 1943, amid World War II, the family returned to the United States, arriving in New York aboard the SS Capetown. He was ten years old. Donald continued his upbringing in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, attending public school and later graduating from Culter Academy. He began his college studies at Pasadena City College, but with the Korean War underway, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952.

Before deploying to Korea, Donald married Helen Marie Cooper on March 29, 1953. He served honorably as a Light Weapons Infantryman in Company E, 180th Infantry Regiment. While stationed in Korea, he was assigned to a frontline combat unit, filling the place of a soldier lost in action. During a brief leave in Japan, Donald reunited with his parents—Carl & Rose—for what would be their final visit together. Shortly afterward, his parents returned to India to continue their missionary service, where they remained faithfully until their passing. Both were laid to rest in the country to which they had dedicated their lives.

After returning from military service, Donald and Helen settled in Southern California, where they raised three children: Michael Wayne Linden, Kenneth Ray Linden, and Sharon Rose Southard. Donald was a devoted husband and father who believed deeply in commitment, personal responsibility, and the enduring values of faith and family.

Over the years, he lived in several Southern California communities, including Santa Barbara, San Gabriel, Buena Park, Chino Hills, and Riverside. He was a longtime and faithful member of La Palma Christian Center from 1961 to 2003, where he served actively in ministry. Affectionately known as “Faithful Don,” he was recognized for his steady presence and unwavering devotion.

Donald had a passion for the outdoors. He cherished backpacking along the John Muir Trail, camping, and visiting national parks across the country. He loved sharing these experiences with family and friends, often presenting slide shows of his adventures to guests. In his later years, he especially enjoyed taking his grandchildren hiking, camping, and to local fairs and museums.

Donald’s worldview was shaped not only by his missionary heritage but also by his lifelong effort to balance faith and practicality. He believed in the power of prayer, the importance of stewardship, and the necessity of hard work. His life embodied the values passed down from his parents: a spirit of service, trust in God’s provision, and the quiet strength to persevere through all seasons.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Carl and Rose Linden, and by his siblings, Dorothy Jeanne Linden and Eldred George Linden.

Donald is survived by his three children and their families. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather whose legacy lives on in the generations he helped shape.