Donald Henry Major was born on July 28, 1924 to Johanna (Wellhouse) Major and Edward Major in La Porte, Indiana. He has one brother, Delbert Major, who survives and one sister, Doris Frank, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Doris and his children, Douglas Major of New Carlisle and Diane Lakner of Tampa. He has two grandsons, Chase and Shane Martin and one granddaughter, Gina Major, with four great-grandchildren, Chase Jr., Timothy, Deborah, and Rachel Martin.
Donald graduated from La Porte High School in 1942 and served in the US Navy on LST 286 in the Pacific during World War II. He graduated from Indiana and Purdue Universities with Engineering degrees. He worked at Allis-Chalmers, Studebaker, Bendix, Oliver Tractors, and retired from the La Porte Hospital as Head of Housekeeping.
Donald married Doris Seitz in 1954 and lived in Mill Creek for 60 years in the house he built. “Uncle Don” is survived by many nephews and nieces who enjoyed riding horses, swimming, volleyball, baseball, football, snow and water skiing, and golfing together. One thing he never did was take them fishing or hunting. They were not his type of sports.
Don loved to travel and visited all fifty states. He also traveled in Europe and hosted visitors from the People to People International organization. He was civic minded and was a leader of Cub Scouts, Lion’s Club, and a district leader of the Society of Manufacturing Engineering. He was a member of the Whirling Promenaders Square Dance Club for fifteen years as well as the St. Joseph Valley Ski Club.
Don was involved in 4-H Horse and Pony, Junior Achievement, and Toastmasters. He served two terms as a board member of the New Prairie school district and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of La Porte where he ushered for fifty years. Although he struggled with dementia for the last few years, he remained a loyal husband, father and friend. Don never lost his sense of humor and will be greatly missed by many.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2900 Monroe St. La Porte, IN 46350.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 - 8 PM on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 and from 9 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will take place following the service at Oak Grove Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the donor's choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.