Don served proudly in the US Army and earned a business degree from Lake Forest College. He started his working life at the All State Insurance home office where he worked through the 1960s. In 1969, Don moved to Hot Springs as the owner and operator of Willow Beach Resort. Don became a real estate broker in 1975 and by 1978 was the owner of Spa Realty. His accomplishments were recognized by the community in 1980- not only was Don President of the Board of Realtors, but was named Realtor of the Year. His successes continued through the eighties and by 1990 he had partnered with his brother, Charles, to build Long Island Lake Resort. Don and Charles also partnered to build the Country Inn Resort which opened in 1995.
Don was fortunate to find true love twice in his lifetime. June, his wife of 36 years, passed away in 1995. Lucky in love a second time, in 2001, Don married Marsha.
A family reunion will be taking place in Heaven, as Don is welcomed by his parents; siblings Paul Jr., Robert, Bernice, Ruth, and Alice; as well as, June, his first wife.
Don’s wit, charm, and generosity of spirit will be remembered by many, but most by his wife, Marsha; daughter Pam Perry (Matt); grandchildren Sydney Winegar (Josh) and Ryan Perry; brother, Charles Knabe(Shon); nephew, C.J. Knabe (Sarah); nieces Andrea Teeter (Denny), Candace VanDee (Brad), and Dawn McGinnis(Mark); sisters-in law Kathy Ross (Owen) and Pat Helmts; great nephew, Kase Knabe; a host of other beloved extended family members; lifelong, dear friends John and Ruel Dreves; as well as, the Supper Club Gang, a name given to his group of close friends, including LeMoyne Truesdell (Connie), Jerry Smith (Linda), and Tom MCKee (Debbie), who would meet and enjoy dinner together once a month.
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