Donald E. "Backie" Backensto

Donald E. "Backie" Backensto, 84, of Lexington, Ohio passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital after battling a short illness. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio on February 18, 1936 to the late Howard and Christina (Kvochick) Backensto. He grew up in the Olivesburg area with the rest of the Backensto's.

Donald was a 1954 class graduate of Union High School. After 39 years and 7 months, he later retired from General Motors working as a blanker. Donald was personable and ornery and loved to joke around with others being sure to them with a smile. He was an avid golfer and would go at least 6 days a week. Donald was quite the athlete and was a bowler and softball player and in his early years, he played semi-pro football. He was a member of Lexington Moose 2511, Owls of Mansfield, AMVETS Post #26 and Sons of Herman.

Donald is survived by three daughters, Sherry (Jim) Haudenschild, Kim (Gil Hannigan) Morone and Kelley Horner; stepdaughter, Gayle Herron; stepson, David (Kim) Freed; seven grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 16 step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; sister, Dora (John) Weaver; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis Rudrick; brother, Robert Backensto, stepdaughter, Brenda Wheeler; and son-in-law, Mike Morone.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 South Diamond St., Mansfield. A service will be held at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021. He will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice.