Don graduated from Hillsdale High School, Hillsdale, Michigan in 1963 and came to Kalamazoo to attend Western Michigan University. He began his funeral directing career at Langeland Chapels in 1964. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era, he was honorably discharged and graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science. He is married to Marsha. They have 4 daughters, Lynette, Nicole, Jennifer and Christy. Don and Marsha live in Texas Township. Don has been employed with Langeland Chapels for over 40 years.