Donald 'Don' French

DONALD DON RAY FRENCH Donald Don Ray French, 83, of Danville, went to be with his lord at 1:50 a.m. Friday, July 09, 2010 at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. Don was born on March 23, 1927 in Kingman, Indiana, the son of Vern E. and Ruth E. (Rodgers) French. He married Marilyn Aukerman in 1952 in Eaton, Ohio. He is survived by one son- Gary (Marjorie) French of Bismarck; three daughters- Becky Helding of Decatur, Illinois, Deanna K. French of Brownsburg, Indiana and Cheryl (Jay) Wilkerson of Avon, Indiana; one sister- Helen F. Martin of Danville; 13 grandchildren- Daniel French, Brittany Wilkerson, Lee Helding, Nate Wilkerson, Hilary Helding, Allison Wilkerson, Christina Helding, Matthew Wilkerson, Michael French, Paul Paunat, Madina Rose French, Elena Wilkerson and Kristi French; and two great-grandchildren- Aubrielle Wilkerson and Carter French. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law- Leonard Helding. Don graduated from Veedersburg High School in 1945. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946. After the Army he attended Indiana University and later Miami University of Ohio, where he obtained his M.S. Don worked for 41 years in education. He started teaching in Liberty, Indiana and became principal in Newport, Paoli, Garrett, Brownsburg and Culver. He later worked as a counselor at Manchester College and as Director of Admissions at Marion College, until he retired in 1990. Don also worked at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana State Fair and for the Indianapolis Ice. In his younger years he worked as a tour guide for Miller Tours. Don was a member of Central Christian Church in Danville, where he served as an Elder for the church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Veedersburg and Lions Club. Don enjoyed reading, playing bridge, traveling and going to movies and musicals. He also enjoyed visiting nursing homes and helped take care of the elderly. He was an avid Colts and IU fan. Don was a people person. Spending time with his family was very important to him. A Celebration of the life of Donald Don Ray French will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at Central Christian Church in Danville, with Pastor Hank Anderson officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Rockfield Cemetery in Veedersburg, Indiana, with full military honors. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home, 3940 North Vermilion Street Danville, Illinois 61834. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.