Donald D. Deatherage, of Chesterton, passed away Monday, March 17, 2008 at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus. He was 68.

He was born Oct. 25, 1939 in Jacksonville, Ill., the son of Lester and Thelma Deatherage.

On March 16, 1963 in Chicago, he married Irene Rigas, who preceded him in death in Dec. of 2004.

He grew up in Waverly, Ill. and graduated from High School there. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill. and graduated with a degree in business administration.

Don retired as a Manager from K-mart in Chesterton in 1994. He worked for the company for 35 years, serving 18 stores throughout his career. Don was very active in the First United Methodist Church. He attended Alpha several times, including acting as leader. He was a member of the Men’s Club and had served on the Finance Committee for several years. He also was on the Ad Hoc Committee for finance and building and had been worship leader (with jokes) on several occasions. He was a contributor to the UMW Cookie Walk as well.

Don was an active member of Kiwanis; he served as president, secretary and on the board. He was twice named “Kiwanian of the Year”. He also was very active in the Kiwanis’s sponsorship of the Action Club at Opportunity Enterprise, helping with fundraisers. He enjoyed golf and was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Chesterton. Don was known for his joke telling. He brought smiles to many faces in all that he was involved with.

Cremation will take place at Heritage Crematory in Portage.

A gathering of friends will be at the Chesterton United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. with a Memorial Service held at 11 a.m. Rev. Terry Rhine will officiate.

Memorial donations in Don’s name would be appreciated to one of the many charities in which Don was involved. First United Methodist Church, 434 S. 2nd St., Chesterton, IN; Illinois College of Jacksonville, IL; Kiwanis International Foundation of Indianapolis, IN; or the American Heart Association, 460 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home.

Posted 3/19/2008