Donald C. Schraw, Jr.

March 6, 1926 - Dec. 29, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - Donald C. Schraw, Jr., 92 years old, passed away at 1:00 a.m. on Sªturday, December 29, 2018 at his home. Don was born on March 6, 1926 in South Bend to the late Donald C. and Kathryn (Hendricks) Schraw, Sr. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1944 after graduating from Riley High School. On October 10, 1948 in South Bend, Don and Imogene “Jene” (Livengood) Schraw were united in marriage.

Along with his loving wife of 70 years, Jene, survivors include their two daughters, Donna G. (Fred) Mower of Carmel, IN and Carol A. Schraw of South Bend; two grandsons, Joshua Donald Torres of St. Charles, IL and Carl Jordan Mower of Carmel; step-granddaughter, Rebecca (Chris) Sheridan of Westfield, IN; two great-grandchildren, Colin and Elias; and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Gaylon Devon Schraw, who passed away in July of 2017.

Don was the most wonderful and easy-going husband anyone could ask for. He always put his family first. He retired from Indiana Bell Telephone Company at the age of 57 where he worked as a repairman for 38 years. Don was a member of the Pioneers. He loved retirement and enjoyed fishing on the Kankakee River, known as “Horseshoe Ben”. Don enjoyed working in his garage and in the yard, and watching westerns, football games, and golf tournaments on the television.

Don met Jene when he was discharged from the Army and returned home in 1946 after the war was over. It was love at first sight. They went together for two years prior to their marriage in 1948. Jene said, “I couldn't have a better husband. Don was fantastic. He was always smiling. Everything we did, we did together. We went every place together. We had 70 years of marriage and he will be my sweetheart forever.”

Friends may visit with the family from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2019 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend where the Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Minister Kevin Hartley from the Jehovah's Witnesses of Miami Trail Congregation will officiate. A private burial will be held at Southlawn Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will also take place at the home of his daughter, Carol A. Schraw, 939 Cary Court, South Bend, on Saturday, January 12, beginning at 1:00 p.m., where family and friends will gather to view videos of Don and his family.

The Schraw family would like to thank their wonderful staff of caregivers: Elease, Elayne, Brenda, and Henrietta. They were so kind to Don and truly loved him. He was so patient, easy to take care of, and never complained. A special thanks to his daughter, Carol, for her efforts in making it possible for him to continue to live at home and providing in-home health care for her beloved dad.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Don may be donated to Alzheimer's Association National Headquarters, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Online condolences may be offered to the Schraw family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 2, 2019djbeattybailey 01/02/2019