Donald D. Utter

1917 - 2018

Donald D. Utter

- - Donald D. Utter, 101 passed away November 29, 2018.

Don was born on the 4th of July, 1917 in Akron, Indiana to Chester and Ruth Harter Utter.

Don graduated from Akron High School in 1936 and Purdue University in 1940. While at Purdue, Don was a member of the Purdue Men's Basketball Team from 1936 - 1938. He received his Masters from Purdue in 1951.

Don was married to Virginia Secor in February 18, 1940. They were married for 41 years until her death in March of 1981.

During World War II, Don served in the United States Navy on board the USS Mansfield DD728. Don was a Plank Owner, a member of the commissioning crew of Mansfield, which was commissioned in April of 1944 and saw continuous screening and picket duty during the carrier strikes in the Pacific war campaign. Don served on the Mansfield until the end of WWII and was discharged as a Lieutenant in March of 1946. Don received 7 Bronze Stars for his bravery while fighting an enemy of the United States. Upon completion of active duty, Don started an Ambulance Company in the Indiana National Guard. He retired from the Guard in 1963 as a Captain.

Don's work as an educator culminated as a math teacher for 26 years and a basketball coach for 8 years. During those years he was also the Principal of Remington schools. In 1968, Don took the position of assistant superintendent and business manager at Rensselaer School Corporation and served in that position until 1979. Don also sold Franklin Life Insurance for 30 years and was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, Reserve Officers Association, Remington Lodge #351 FA, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Valley of Indianapolis and the Murat Temple, Indianapolis Shrine. He enjoyed attending Mansfield reunions and visiting with his shipmates.

He married Bethel Hill Souligne on February 27, 1988. He and Bethel took many trips across the country from Alaska to Hawaii and spent several winters in Sebring, Florida where they met many dear friends.

He is survived by 2 children, a daughter Sandra (Robert) Odden, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a son Roger, Aiken, South Carolina, a granddaughter, Kirsten (James) Street and a great grandson, Renden, all of Baton Rouge. He is also survived by 4 stepchildren, Sue (Steve) Highland, Marcia (Hank) Jackson, Jim (Trudi) Souligne and Mike (Suzanne) Souligne, 12 step grandchildren and 12 step great grandchildren. A step son Andy (Kris) Souligne preceded him in death on March 28, 2018. Sisters Lavena Swick and Lorene Herron also preceded him in death.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Creasy Springs for their excellent care.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 6 from 9 - 11 am, Windler Funeral Home, Fowler. Funeral Mass at 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fowler. Burial at Remington Cemetery.