Don was born on January 20, 1930 to Marshall and Freda (Bohn) Simon in Youngstown, OH. He graduated from Boardman High School, Boardman, OH in 1948 & Muskingum University, New Concord, OH in 1952 where he played basketball for both teams.

After college, Don served in the Korean War where his most memorable moment was sharing an elevator in the Imperial Hotel with Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe during a weekend in Tokyo. After leaving the Army, Don returned to Youngstown where he met the love of his life, Sally Jean Gaskeen. Don and Sally were married on March 3, 1956 and moved to Florissant, MO to start their life together. It was there they raised their family, making treasured friendships before moving to Carmel, IN in 1976.

Don worked for Service Supply Company in Indianapolis until he retired in 1995. During retirement he loved playing and watching golf and spending time gardening. He was always happy being close to home and his family.

If you knew of Don’s journey you knew he truly had 9-lives. He muscled through many health challenges with grace and determination and always came back stronger. However, his last battle with cancer was one he would not overcome. He fought a good fight with a positive attitude and will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.