Donnie Sebastian

Donnie Sebastian, 75, of Greensburg, passed away from this life on Sunday evening, March 8, 2020, due to complications endured from a fall. He was born on January 13, 1945, in Franklin County, Indiana. The thirteenth of fourteen children to the late Shelby and Mima (May) Sebastian.

With several helpful hands contributing to the upbringing of Donnie, the Sebastian family shares a bond of love and good-humored tease. After graduating from Clarksburg High School in 1963, he was drafted into the services and assigned to Germany as a Military Police Officer. Donnie found the love of his life, Janice Elaine Giles, while cruising the square. The two married on May 30, 1969 and were blessed to become the loving parents of two children.

Donnie was a proud and honorable man; he held a reputable 32-year career with Cummins Engine and deservingly retired in 1998 as The Chief Shop Steward of the Diesel Workers Union. The life of the party, Donnie had a knack for making people laugh. He was always eager for the opportunity to spark controversy; his endless tricks, mind-blowing stories and random jokes will remain in the hearts of all that knew him. He loved hunting, fishing and traveling. Donnie enjoyed instilling sights of 42 states on annual vacations with the kids, attended the annual CMA Fest in Nashville for over 20 years and enjoyed cruises with family and friends. He was a true fan of IU Basketball and an advocate for the legendary General Bobby Knight. Donnie’s veins were filled with Crimson and his heartbeat with love for family, country and thrill of the game.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Ed Sebastian (wife, Dot), Cloe Swinford (husband, Jim), Ervine Sebastian (wife, Helen); Charlie Sebastian (wife, Jean) in-laws, Elby and Hazel (Price) Giles.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 51 years, Elaine (Giles) Sebastian of Greensburg; daughter, Kim Bowden of Shelbyville; son, Danny Sebastian of Greensburg. Brothers and sisters Dan Sebastian (wife, Dorothy) of Hamilton, Nola Peters (husband, John) of Greensburg, Mary Allen (husband, Buddy) of Greenwood, Mildred “Micky” Bechtold (late husband, Ed) of Carmel, Lina Jolliffe of Indianapolis, Adrian Sebastian (late wife, Pat) of Forest Hill, Bessie Ploeger (husband, Ronnie) of Greensburg, Sandra Adams (late husband, Don) of Westport, Sylvia England (husband, Curt) of Westport; 5 grandsons, Aaron (Rachel) and Ryan (Summer) Bennett, Ethan, Cole and Garrett Sebastian; along with a great grandson, Brooks Thomas Bennett on the way.

Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia and Services will take place in Gilliland Howe Funeral Home, 110 E. North St., Greensburg, IN 47240, with visitation to be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Thursday, March 12, 2020, followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 12 noon, on Friday, March 13, 2020. Additional calling may be observed an hour prior to services on Friday and procession of burial will deliver him to rest among loved ones in South Park Cemetery, in Greensburg. To share a favorite story, sign the online guest registry, light a virtual candle in Donnie's memory, order sympathy flowers or gifts, please visit www.lightmemorial.com and/or search @MonroviaFuneralHome on Facebook.