Don died December 29, 2001, at his home in Findlay, Ohio, of pancreatic cancer at the age of 77. He was born October 28, 1924, in Hillsboro, Kansas and was a member of the Mennonite Church. His occupation at the time was listed as "Farmer."

He was drafted into the Civilian Public Service and jumped at Missoula during the 1945 season. Don got eight training and three fire jumps.

Don served in the Merchant Marines for two years in the late 1940s and later became a teacher at Findlay High School where he taught automotive math and theory until his retirement in 1986.