At the age of 16, Don started his first job working for Western Union delivering telegrams; after that he worked briefly in a meat processing plant. In 1953 he was hired at General Motors. During his time at GM he worked in several capacities, ending his career as a break line inspector when he retired in 1988 after 35 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 43 years, Clara Sears; infant daughter, Donna Sears; sons David Sears, Stephen Sears, Ronald Crapyou; and brothers Lester Sears and Elwood Sears.
Don is survived by daughters, Kimberley (Michael) Unruh, and Sandy (Joe) Katulak; sons, Paul (Connie) Sears, Tim Carroll, and Tom (Laurie Davidson) Carroll; grandchildren, Angela, Andrea (James), Adam (Bree), Joe (Taylor), Tim (Lex), Kristina (Greg), Gray, Alex, Solena, Gary (Ciji), Jessica (David), Tina (Cameron), Stephen (Patty), Keith (Cindy), and Dennis; numerous great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; and sister, Lois Dawson.
A visitation for Donald will be held Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 North Main Street, Springboro, Ohio 45066. A funeral service will occur Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Anderson Funeral Home.
Don enjoyed many activities including fishing, archery and bowling, as well as numerous creative pursuits such as painting with water colors, whittling, baking bread and making macrame hanging baskets. It was after retirement that he discovered music and it was this passion that stayed with him the rest of his life. He became an accomplished Dulcimer player and was an active member as well as former president of both the Mountain Dulcimer Society and Hithergreen Strummers in the Dayton Ohio area, as well as a member of the Cincinnati Dulcimer Club. He was a member and helped form the Family Tree Dulcimer Band which fell under the umbrella of the Springboro Historical Society, headed up by Don Ross. He was well known in the dulcimer community for his talent and taught and performed widely in Southern Ohio and by invitation from as far away as North Carolina. He truly loved music and also dabbled on the banjo, ukulele, mandolin and was proficient on the harmonica.
Don also loved vacations and camping in the back country. He took many extended trips with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Don had a curious mind and loved engaging in conversation on numerous subjects including science, religion, the arts and politics. He was an avid reader, and science fiction was one of his favorite genres. His gentle and kind nature won him favor among his many grandchildren and he reveled in their love and affection.
Don's family would like to give a special thanks to Hospice of Dayton for excellent care of Don. Memorial donations may be made in Don's memory to Hospice of Dayton.
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