Donald L. Lefor

Donald "Don" L. Lefor died peacefully in Hudson, Fla., on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Don was born on July 2, 1934, the youngest child of Lincoln and Lucy (Blasy) Lefor in Lefor, N.D.

When Don was a young child the family moved to Benton Harbor where he graduated in 1952 from St. John's Catholic School.

Don was a tool and die maker, a naturally talented designer, who worked at Soper Manufacturing, New Products, and eventually went into business for himself. Don spent his career designing "old school," but he did learn CAD-CAM design in his later years.

In July 1956, Don was united in marriage to Patricia Watson and they were blessed with four children: Sherrie, Donnie, Pam and Duane; their marriage ended in divorce.

On Dec. 13, 1974, Don married Eva "Betti" Balow and shared 39 years together before her passing on June 13, 2014. Don and Betti lived wherever Don's work took him, which included Toledo, Ohio, Miami, Fla., and eventually settling in the Tampa/Clearwater, Fla., area.

Don's passion was anything sports. A natural athlete during high school, Don enjoyed bowling and golf in his adult years. A devoted fan of Notre Dame and always hopeful fan of the Detroit Lions.

He is survived by his daughters: Sheryl (Tim) Zerbel of St. Joseph, Pam (Bob) Wilson of Battle Creek, Mich., stepsons: Ron (Anita) Balow of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Bruce Balow of Niles, Billy (Carol) Balow of Buchanan; his three grandsons; 11 step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 18 step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betti; sons: Donnie and Duane; step-granddaughter, Tina Balow; sister, Marie Gion, and brother, Ervin Lefor.

Cremation has taken place with burial in Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, Palm Harbor, Fla.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Contributions can be made in memory of Don to charity of one's choice.