Donald L Steinman

Donald Lester Steinman, 93, of Sun Lakes, AZ (formerly of rural Kenton) passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Don was born December 29, 1927 in Kenton, Ohio to Lester and Lavon (Collins) Steinman. On April 3, 1949 he married Velma Fleming at St. John’s United Church of Christ as officiated by Reverend Herbert Pfister. They celebrated 71 years of marriage and she survives along with sons Steven (Linda) of Ann Arbor, MI and Thomas (Janet) of Findlay, OH and daughter Diane (Stephen Harper) Steinman of Sammamish, WA. Six grandchildren survive: Christopher Steinman and Stephanie Curran of Ann Arbor, MI; Michelle Reichel and Bradley Steinman of Columbus, OH, Jamie Steinman of Holland, MI and Stuart Harper of Sammamish, WA. Great-grandchildren include Emelia and Alexis Curran, Rowan Reichel and a soon-to-be born second great-grandson Reichel. Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Nelson Steinman and sister, Mildred Wagner.

Don was a member of the Kenton High School Class of 1945, then served in the United States Navy from January 1946 – March 1947 as an aviation machinist and earned his pilot’s license following discharge. While working at City Dairy, he entered into a farming partnership with his Father milking Registered Jersey cows until his Father’s retirement. During his 48-year farming career, he expanded the grain farming acreage and added hogs and beef cows to the farm. He took great pride in having clean fields never letting a button weed get away. As a self-taught carpenter, he proudly added several rooms to the house in Cessna Township, then for a few years carpentered with farming colleagues during winter months on select home building projects around Kenton. Upon retirement, he and Velma enjoyed trips with their friends and many years as “snowbirds” living in both Ohio and Arizona.

Don was a former member of Fairview Methodist Church west of Kenton and St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kenton. He served for 15 years on the Hardin Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees representing Cessna, Washington, Marion and Goshen Townships. Don perfected his love for a good hand of cards and a good game of pool while in Ohio; he complemented those activities while in Arizona with activities like a good frame of bocce ball and a good ride on his golf cart – in spite of his golf score. He was also an avid reader and loved to tinker in his garage. As a Dad, even if the sun was setting on a long day in the fields, he never refused a request to hit grounders or fly balls or play horse.

It was Don’s wish to be cremated. The family will hold a private memorial as was his desire.