Donald Harold Relyea, Sr. joined the Lord on May 25, 2021. Don loved his Lord God and family with all his heart, soul and mind. He was dearly loved by his wife, Pam, his two children and extended families.
Don was born in Battle Creek, MI to Edward and Helen Relyea in 1938. He was raised playing the piano, participating in all sports, working on his uncle’s farm and Kellogg’s Cereal Company. The Battle Creek Inquirer listed Don as one of Springfield High’s GOAT football players. After earning a Kellogg scholarship, he attended Northwestern University, where he played football and was affiliated with Kappa Sigma. He graduated in 1962 and became an Industrial Engineer, Director of Sales and Financial Officer at Allis-Chalmers. He achieved a Master’s degree in
Business/Finance and transitioned to financial planning and wealth management working at Underwood Neuhaus, Drexel Burnham Lambert and several regional firms.
In 1966, Don married the love of his life, Pamela Jordan, after meeting on a blind date in Cleveland, OH. They celebrated 54 years of marriage cherishing each other through happiness and trials. Don’s most delightful years were the ones spent with his two children, Don Jr. and Anne. He invested his time in their church groups, school activities, coaching, camping and mentoring. Don truly accepted the Lord when daughter, Anne, was born at just 24 ½ weeks at Baylor Hospital, Dallas in 1973.
Don began a long struggle with cardiovascular disease in 2010. The Lord prolonged Don’s life with prayers and the gifted hands of Medical City Dallas’ caring surgeons: Dr. Bowers, Dr. Dewey and Dr. Isaac. The family is undeniably grateful for the extension of his life. “Heartbeats” became the gift of another 11 years with family, grandchildren and extended family.
There is grace in surrendering to a devastating disease and leaving those you love dearly, but, " To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Cor. 5:8. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pam, son Don Jr. and his wife Hye-rin Lee and their children, Sophia, Ryan, Aiden, and Lily, devoted daughter, Anne, his loving sister Kay Scott and her husband Ron Scott and their children, Heather Napper, Holly Kistler and Bonnie Sharpley, an aunt, Jennie Leatherbery and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at a later date.
Donations welcomed with gratitude at the American Heart Association.
Condolences may be offered at www.TEDDICKEYWESTFUNERAL.COM
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