Donald G. Havener, born March 23, 1939 in Somerset County , Pennsylvania, the son of the late Clarence G. and Betty (Snyder) Havener.
While Don was in elementary school the family moved to Ohio. After a brief stay in Cleveland, they became part of the Crestwood Local School District when Don was in the 7th grade; Don- then known as “Whitey”- was introduced to the new coach Mike Koval and the sport of wrestling. During those years, he became a state place winner and upon graduation followed Coach Koval to Hiram College, where the sport was also beginning. His 4-year record there was 49 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. Upon graduation, Don became a biology teacher and head wrestling coach at Kenston High School. True to his commitment to young men and the sport, in 1972 he led the Kenston Bombers to a State Championship. His records at Hiram College and Kenston High School earned him the honor of being in both Halls of Fame.
It was that year that his focus turned to family. Upon retirement, his father-in-law Ellis Stamm turned the keys to Weber Hardware over to Don, his wife Kathie & sons Mark & Michael. The business fell victim to fire in 1985 and brought Don to turn his life over to Jesus Christ. That began his passion of telling others about Jesus, whether on long distance bicycle trips with Kathie (Md.; GOBA, Hibbing MN; OBX, NC.), hiking the Appalachian Trail( first with Mark, Mike & Kathie on 100 mile section hikes and then in 2015 & 2019 through-hikes with the trail name “Enoch”).
Don’s hardware career continued when he was employed by McMaster-Carr Supply in Aurora. Don retired from there.
Don’s life was blessed and filled with joy as a very active grandfather, where he introduced Nicholas & Noah to his passions, including botany.
Not one to be idle, in later years, Don found his niche at Garrettsville Hardware as part-time clerk and window/screen repair specialist, where again he made many friends.
Don went to be with his Savior on June 11, 2021. On June 18, 1960, he married Kathie (Kathleen S.) Havener, who survives at home, and to whom they would have been married 61 years on June 18th; children Mark E and Claire B Havener, Tigard OR; Michael G and Nancy J Havener, Mantua; grandchildren Nicholas and Courtney Havener, Raleigh NC; Noah (Nicolette Christopher) Havener, Cuyahoga Falls.
Also, four siblings: Robert W. (Bob) & Linda Havener, Fallston MD; Karen Stinger, Media PA; David & Frankie Havener, Mogadore; Linda and John Clark, Mantua.
Funeral Services will be at Parkside Church, Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00am with Pastor Nick Spurgeon officiating. 7100 Pettibone Rd. Chagrin Falls Ohio 44023. No Calling hours.
Graveside service at Fairlawn Cemetery, Hiram, will be held Monday, June 21, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.
In place of flowers, memorial donations may be given to: Parkside Church 7100 Pettibone Rd Chagrin Falls 44023; Hiram College Men’s Wrestling program. PO Box 67 Hiram 44234; Hospice of the Western Reserve. Inc. 17876 St Clair Ave Cleveland 44110
Arrangements are by the Green Family Funeral Home & Crematory Service in Mantua, where his video tribute, condolences, and memories may be viewed at www.greenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
