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Donald Maffett Obituary

Donald M. Maffett

West Des Moines

Donld M. Maffett, age 85, a resident of Edgewater Retirement Community, passed away from pancreatic cancer on December 27, 2012.

Don was born in Des Moines on January 15, 1927, the only child of George and Gladys Maffett. He grew up in Boone, IA, and after graduation from high school, Don enlisted in the Navy. He served on a destroyer in the Pacific during WWII. After being discharged, Don attended Boone Junior College. While at Boone JC, he and three other golfers played and won the National Junior College Golf Tournament in Kansas City. After graduating from Boone JC, he attended and graduated from Simpson College with a degree in business. Don worked a couple of years for Mid-Continent Airlines (later to become Braniff). Then, for 37 years, he worked as a purchasing agent for Bankers Life, which later became the Principal Financial Group.

Don married Betty (Borthwick) in 1950 in Indianola, where they lived for a year and a half. They moved to the Highland Park area of Des Moines for five years before moving to Urbandale. They lived in Urbandale for 42 years where they raised their three children, Susan, Mark, and Gary. Later, they moved to Johnston for nine years. A final move was made to Edgewater Retirement Community in 2009.

Besides golf, Don enjoyed 18 winters in Mesa, Arizona, along with camping, fishing, ping-pong, cribbage, traveling and attending Elderhostels. He and Betty are charter members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Another pursuit was duplicate bridge, where Don and Betty became Life Masters.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty; his children, Susan (Tim) Perrizo of Delavan, MN, Mark (Becky) of Ankeny, IA, and Gary (Sheila) of Brookings, SD; six grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, aunts, uncles, and one brother-in-law.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, with visitation before the service starting at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Wesley Life Hospice, or Edgewater Good Samaritan Fund.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Aster Cottage and the Wesley Life Hospice staff for their care and healing.

Online condolences may be made at www.IlesCares.com.



Published by the Des Moines Register from Jan. 6 to Jan. 11, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Gary, I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. No matter what age, it's hard to say goodbye. But there will be quite a reunion in heaven one day!!! Dave Sykes, his folks Bill and Ruth, Dave Winger, your dad, countless others. I look forward to that day when there will be no more sadness whatsoever. May God give you and your whole family comfort through the hard days ahead!

Nancy "Coenen" Chapline

January 10, 2013

Praying for God's comfort for your entire family.
Jean Dickson Rostron

January 10, 2013

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was an awesome man and a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. Paul & Sharyn Richards - Birmingham, AL

January 9, 2013

Betty, Susan, Mark, & Gary,

So sorry for your loss. Jean and I remember the family get to gathers at Thanksgiving and Christmas with all the families. We remember how gracious Don was. It was enjoyable to see the young Maffett family growing up. We also remember the wonderful dinner at your home after our twins were born. Don led a great life.

Claude & Jean Thornton

January 9, 2013

Mark,
I have the greatest memories of your Dad taking us to play basketball in the Bankers Life gym on Saturday mornings, and also joining you, Susan and Gary on one of your family's camping trips.

Your Dad was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and I know you will miss him dearly.

Mike Buxton

January 8, 2013

Gary,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad.
I am wishing you and your family comfort during this difficult time.

Marcy Yaske

January 7, 2013

Dear Mark and Gary,

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. What I remember about your mom and dad are that they always opened your home for us to get together with Sherri, Brian, Kevin and the rest of the bunch. Very nice people. May you treasure your memories of your father!

Jeanne "Whiton" Gerhardt

January 7, 2013

We are sorry for your loss. Tracy remembers how Donald would play touch football with the younger cousins at family gatherings. --Tracy and Karen Fulmer

Tracy Fulmer

January 7, 2013

You and your family have my sympathy, Betty. Your neighbor from D-81 at Sunset.

Elda Rae Jensen

January 6, 2013

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