Donald was born on August 8, 1931 in Sparta, Ohio. He was the son of Lawrence and Ethel (Workman) Harris. He served in the United States Air National Guard. Donald was a charter member of Westwood Alliance Church where he served as a trustee. He met Thelma “Faye” Stahl at the drug store where she was employed. She soon became his wife, and began building their life together, and having their children. They shared 70 years of marriage together. Donald was a proud husband, loving father, and doting grandfather and great-grandfather. Donald enjoyed quality family time together, taking yearly trips that included extended family and enjoying the outdoors. As a family they enjoyed camping and time spent on the boat; water skiing and tubing. He taught his girls to be independent women by teaching them to maintain their cars and homes.
Donald began his career as an auto mechanic in varying garages until he began teaching auto mechanics at Mansfield Senior High School, and then at Madison Comprehensive High School. Donald was a well-loved teacher and mentor to his students, and became a favorite to many. He served on the school board at Madison Local Schools. One of his former students is now teaching the auto mechanic program at Madison. He used his abundance of mechanical skills to serve others in need.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma “Faye” Harris; his daughters, Bobbi (Scott) Claypoole, Valeri (Jim) Hairston, Laurie (Tim) Dean, and Wendi (David) Griffon; grandchildren, Benjamin (Rebecca) Wigton, Andrew (Melissa) Wigton, Elizabeth (Daniel) Dower, Rebekah (Tony) Wiland, Deborah (Adam) Arditi, Anna (Craig) Miller, Jacob Hairston, Christopher Barley, Grace (Chris) Larsen, Raymond (Jessica) Barley, Megan Faye, Matthew (Jamie) Oswalt, Emily Oswalt, and William Oswalt; and 26 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Harris; and his granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Wigton; and great-grandson, Caleb Jeffrey Wiland.
Family and friends may visit from 12:00-2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Westwood Alliance Church, 396 Willowood Drive E. Rev. Doyle Peyton will officiate the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm. Donald will be laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Beulah Beach Camp and Retreat Center, 6101 Westlake Road, Vermillion, Ohio 44089.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario is honored to serve the Harris family.
