Donald Crawford DeBolt

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DeBolt, Donald Crawford Age 79, of Bradenton, FL and McGregor MN, passed away May 3, 2018. Born in East Liverpool, OH January 31, 1939, he is preceded in death by his parents, Friend Donald DeBolt and Gertrude Belle Crawford. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Lou DeBolt (Main); children, Wendy (Jon) Johnson, Hugo, MN; Jody (Matt) Bourassa, Bangor, ME; and Scott (Sally Ann) DeBolt, Westerville, OH. Loving and proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren, Grant Johnson, Paige (Brandon) Orhn, Blake, Jack and Trey Bourassa, Maggie, Griffin, Charlie, and Caroline DeBolt. After graduating from Otterbein University, Don proudly served in the United States Air Force as a T-33 Instructor Pilot. He joined Northwest Orient Airlines in 1965 and flew all models of their aircraft. He enjoyed his thousands of hours as a 747 Captain the most until his mandatory Age 60 retirement in 1999. He was awarded the Air Medal for his Civil Reserve Air Fleet leadership during Operation Desert Storm. He continued his passion for aviation, flying his private aircraft through January of this year. Don, Mary Lou, and many friends enjoyed countless adventures on the road in their DeLorean. Don loved hosting the entire family at The Cabin each summer. His beach side fireworks, water balloons, hot dog cookouts, and infectious laugh will truly be missed on Big Sandy Lake. You could always count on Don's help when anyone had a problem. Several years ago, he electrified the River Club Christmas with Frosty, who continues to bring joy to the community. A Celebration of Don's Life will be held in Bradenton FL and in Minnesota details at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Don's name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611 or the Big Sandy Lake Association, PO Box 21, McGregor, MN 55760. Condolences: brownandsonsfuneral.com

Published on May 5, 2018