Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
1931
2017
Donald J. Stein
Donald Jay Stein, 86, of West Lafayette, IN passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2017. Born on May 13, 1931 in St. Louis to the late C. Ross and Janice Cohen Stein, Don graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a veteran of the US Army. Don was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and a 62- year member of the John Purdue Club. He was a huge supporter of Purdue University and donated generously to Purdue Convocations, and the Athletic Department, and he even donated a "Coaches office" in Mackey Arena.
Don was the owner and President of Crown Laundry and he was instrumental in helping to develop parks and recreational areas for the Southside of Lafayette. These efforts included providing land for Hannah Park, and helping expand Hanna Community Center, building and equipping Triangle Park and Shamrock Park. He was also one of the founders and first President of the Tippecanoe County Childcare that started in the basement of the First Baptist Church and has grown into one of the largest child care agencies in the area.
Don was a long-time entrepreneur, local business owner, and avid supporter of many community organizations including the Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club and actively served on their Board of Directors for over 35 years. He started the Surplus and Salvage and donated the proceeds from the business to the Boys and Girls Club and later to the YWCA. He fully supported the Southside Community Center (now the Bauer Center), Lafayette Public Library, and many other organizations. He was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash Award for his dedication and service to the Lafayette community. He also developed, built and helped run the Great Skates Fun Center and donated the proceeds to local youth organizations.
Don also gave back to the community by restoring two old buildings for the public's enjoyment. The first was a 1927 gas station that was restored and donated to the City as the Red Crown Mini Museum. He worked with other civic leaders to restore the Five Points Fire Station and turned it into a children's museum for safety and fire prevention education. a museum
Other community activities in which he was an financial supporter and advisor, included : Habitat for Humanity, Lafayette Neighborhood Housing, Wildcat Creek Preservation Group, Greater Lafayette Progress, Lafayette Special Olympics, Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Temple Israel He was also an active member of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association and founded the Red Crown Mini Museum, Five Points Fire Station Museum, Great Skates Family Fun Center, and Imagination Station Children's Museum. He was a generous man who supported many youth and community organizations and he certainly touched the lives of many!
Don had a tremendous love for his work and his family. He was passionate about everything he did. Some of his most memorable times were spent with friends, his dog Max and extended family at Lake Freeman on summer weekends. He enjoyed collecting antiques and antique cars and was especially proud of his extensive collection of Purdue memorabilia that was kept at the Surplus and Salvage business.
Don was a successful , self made businessman who did not seek praise or recognition for his generous contributions to the Greater Lafayette Community. He came to Purdue as a student in 1949, fell in love with Lois, his wife of 64 years, and made a life here with his family, daughter Lori (Paul) Sabol of West Lafayette, sons Terry Stein of West Lafayette, IN and Todd (Cathy) Stein of Carmel, IN, grandchildren Kristen, Calvin, Alex, Jarrod, Sydne, and Zoe, and great-grandchildren Zane, Axel, and Koen. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Clyde R. Stein.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Don's life on Wednesday, November 22nd at Temple Israel, 620 Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette, IN. Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm followed by services at 6 pm officiated by Rabbi Michael Harvey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the YWCA, or Temple Israel. Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel in charge of arrangements. To sign the guest book and leave condolences please visit www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc - West Lafayette.
A legacy that is missed by all. Tough on the outside, warm hearted on the inside.
Sue Fineman
Friend
November 11, 2020
You will be missed my friend ..rip
Lillian Douglas
Friend
February 6, 2018
I stumbled upon Don's "Surplus & Salvage" shop over 3 years ago, and quickly became a regular shopper after the first visit. While my interactions with him were somewhat sparse, I can say with certainty that Don Stein had to be one of the most generous, kind-hearted people in Lafayette. I don't think there's a charity in the county that he didn't donate to at some point! What a great guy. I'm grateful that I got to volunteer for him throughout the past few months; Don was the one I directly reported to for my first few shifts back in September. He was always happy to see me and was VERY appreciative of the work me and the other volunteers did. Surplus and Salvage won't ever be the same...
Don will be deeply missed, but his legacy will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Rick Mueller
November 30, 2017
If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane I know you all would walk right up to Heaven and bring him back again.
I worked for Don for many years and he was a great man.
Shari Musick
November 23, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to the Stein family. Don was a remarkable man. He will be missed by many.
Ernie Randolph
November 22, 2017
Just thanks. what will Lafayette do with out you ?
I will miss seeing you at chestnut.
Pat Jim Madlung
November 22, 2017
I worked for Mr. Stein for years. He was always very kind to me. I've still to this day not met a person with his work ethic. He's a lafayette legend and will be missed.
Mandy Sizemore
November 22, 2017
Don was a true father figure to me. He provided numerous fantastic adventures for me growing up and I enjoyed many hours in his wonderful home playing with Terry and Todd. We were very fortunate to get to experience his generosity on a constant basis. From flights in his private plane, to rides on his boats at Lake Freeman, to sliding down the fire pole in his home I have so many fond memories of a great childhood. A true hero thru his charity but an even better man to know personally. RIP Mr. Don J. Stein and my sincere heartfelt condolences to Lois, Lori, Terry and Todd. Much Love to you all at this difficult time.
Greg Shankland
November 22, 2017
Even though I only knew Don a short period of time, I found him to be a very kind and generous man. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family especially Lori, my ex sister-in-law.
Michael Hubert
November 21, 2017
Dear Todd and family, our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. Wishing that the great memories you and your family will hold dear will offer strength to you all. Best always,
Jamie & Dana Kizer
November 21, 2017
To the family and friends of Don Stein, my condolences at the passing of a man who helped many in our community...he was active in WALLA and I enjoyed his talks to WALLA members...my thoughts and prayers are with you...
Alice Anderson
November 21, 2017
Dear Lois and family,We are sorry to hear that Don has passed. Our family will always have fond memories of him, especially from his visits to the downtown Post Office. We thank you for your years of friendship and kindness. May God give you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Mark Nugent and family
Mark Nugent
November 21, 2017
To Lori and family-What a full and generous heart your father had! I didn't know him but shared the same year of Purdue graduation with him, I worked with Lori on several court cases when i volunteered with C.A.S.A. several years ago. My thoughts and prayers reach out to all of you today and in the years to come for your loss
Joan Messing
November 21, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing Don most of my adult life. We enjoyed an unusual business/personal relationship through the many years. Don was a workaholic. Not in the sense of a suit and tie, but famously in his signature blue workshirt. To me Don was a quiet local hero. He will be missed by family, friends and community.
Mazel tov, D.J.,
Dan Vierk
Dan Vierk
November 21, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I worked for him for 17 years at Schnaible. He was a mentor and I enjoyed my time there. I remember all the projects he would take on and that I would get to help on. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Don.
Cheryl Files
November 20, 2017
Lois and Family,
This morning,I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Don and his hard working spirit as a leader in this community. Each time I left his office, I pondered over the words of wisdom he shared with me. With all of his humbleness, he was a very impressive man.
May God's blessings of peace, comfort, and compassion surround you and your family during this challenging time.
Jos N. Holman
November 20, 2017
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DONS PASSING DON DID ALOT FOR THE COMMUNITY MOST OF MY FAMILY WORKED FOR DON AT CROWN LAUNDRY HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL PRAYERS FOR DON'S FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED GOD BLESS
THE FIELDS FAMILY
November 20, 2017
God blessed us by putting him in our lives. My heart hurts.
Don is loved by many & has done many good things for our community. With the help of staff he will continue. Such a positive influence & good example for mankind. Never to be forgotten.
Talli A. Campbell
Friend
November 20, 2017
Shari Taylor
November 20, 2017
You will be sadly missed my man. Thoughts and prayers to his daughter Lori and the entire family. Rest in forever peace now Don.
Shari Taylor
November 20, 2017
Don was so special and will be missed by many. Pleasant thoughts and memories. RIP.
Eileen Sullivan
November 19, 2017
My thoughts are with your all of your family. Don was loved and well respected by all. He was one of my Lafayette favorites. Sorry I will not be able to be with you. But will be with you in my prayers.
Sue Fineman
November 19, 2017
Paul M. Robinson
November 19, 2017
I'm saddened to hear of Don's passing but grateful for all the community effort and support he has done over his many years. Thank you, Don. Peace to you and yours.
Gailen Lee
November 19, 2017
My deepest condolences to Lois and the family. Don was a truly good and generous man who gave so much to our community.
Carole Curtis
West Lafayette y.
November 19, 2017
So sorry to hear of Don's death. I enjoyed visiting with him during Lakeries Addition Meeting in his front yard at the lake in September. He always had nice things to say about people.
Thinking of all of you at this time. Don sure did a lot of wonderful things for the City of Lafayette and the community.
Bob Morris
November 19, 2017
Don was a giving gentleman. I know that he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers for his family and friends.
Jayne Flynn
November 19, 2017
Donald lived a full and purpose-filled life; we offer our love and condolences to the entire Stein Family at this time.
Michael & Lisa LaPorte
November 19, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard childers
November 19, 2017
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Funeral services provided by:
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc - West Lafayette1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more