Donald Clark McMahon, 73 of Okemos, passed away on May 5, 2021 after a brief illness. Donald was born in Philadelphia on September 20, 1947. He was the son of Sarah and Thomas McMahon, Jr. He spent his early years in Shawnee Mission, KS. The family later moved to Connecticut living in Greenwich and West Hartford, where Don graduated from Conard High School in 1965. While at Conard he ran cross country and was a member of the wrestling team winning the State of Connecticut Wrestling Championship in his weight class during his senior year.
Don served in the US army 25th infantry division, Republic of South Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. While in Vietnam he was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. After returning injured he spent one month at Chelsey Naval Hospital in Boston and the remainder of his tour at Fort Hood, Texas.
Upon discharge from the service he continued his studies at Davis and Elkins College and graduated in1973 with a degree in Economics. While at D&E he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. It was at D&E he meet Becky Leo who became his beloved wife. Don went on to complete a Master’s degree in Economics from Michigan State University in 1977.
In 1977 he began working for the State of Michigan as a health care economist and remained there until his retirement in June 2014. While there he worked for the Medicaid Program and the Insurance Bureau and was instrumental in writing and analyzing data for competition reports mandated by the legislature and working on Medicaid institutional reimbursement policies.
Don had many interests, including traveling, skiing, playing bridge, chess, and tennis, but his true passion was running. He became a member of the Mid Michigan Track Club in 1982 and participated in many road races, including 65 marathons. He was most proud of participating in 10 Boston Marathons. When he was no longer able to run long distance, he took up triathlons and was ranked nationally in his age group for several years. He also enjoyed long distance cycling, and riding with his friends on DALMAC, the annual bike trip from Lansing to Mackinaw City.
Don was generous with his time. He set up the Okemos Benevolent Road Racers and volunteered for 26 years as treasurer and president. He also served for over 25 years as treasurer for his condominium association.
Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Becky McMahon, sister S. Patricia Benson, Alfred, ME, brother Thomas McMahon III, Seekonk, MA, brother in law, Marshall Leo and sister in law Kathy Leo, Elkins, WV, nieces Sarah Waters (Ethan), Rowayton, CT, Erin Peck Yarema, Portland, ME, Dr. Alyson Leo (finance Jared Wray), Elkins, WV, nephews, Chris Leo, Morgantown, WV, Brian McMahon (Jen) Seekonk, MA, and Stephen McMahon, Larchmont, NY.
Don will be remembered for his commitment to values, most importantly financial integrity and government fiscal responsibility to citizens. His love of life, sense of humor, generosity and patience were felt by all who enjoyed his company. He was inventive and had creative solutions to any problem. Don had a steady and gentle disposition and will be missed by his family and many friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Schwartz for all his kindness to Don during his illness and to the staff and physicians at the Breslin Cancer Center and McLaren Radiation Oncology for their compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held later this year.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mid Michigan Track Club or Davis & Elkins College.
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