Donald H. Charlton

Don's work is done and he can rest. Don Charlton was born in Bowling Green in the hospital on Main Street that was founded and run by his mother, Clara Specht Charlton. He lived his entire childhood in the home built by his father, Donald Ara Charlton.
Don started working at age sixteen at Foodtown in Bowling Green. After graduating from BGSU and spending a year at the University of Wisconsin, Don began teaching General Science at the Jefferson building in Washington Local and then at Maumee Public Schools. Don served in the Army Reserves until 1969, achieving the rank of Captain. He was principal of Wynn Elementary School in Oregon from 1969-1990 where he was legendary for greeting each child by name at the door. After retirement, Don worked for the Lucas County Office of Education. He loved each of these experiences and was thrilled when former students contacted him. He remained in touch with many of his "Wynners" throughout his life.
Upon retiring, Don could be seen all over Oregon planting, pruning, and watering trees. His work chairing the Oregon Tree Commission, along with the encouragement of Oregon's mayors, earned Oregon the award of "Tree City." Don never stopped working. He was an active member in many organizations. At Christ United Methodist Church in Oregon, he was a trustee, organized the building of the storage garage, did much of the lawn care, and of course, planted and took care of the trees. He was also active in the Oregon-Jerusalem History Society, Oregonians, German-American Club, and the Oregon Health and Welfare Committee. He also served on the board of Unison for many years.
The Charltons traveled extensively as a family, then later as a couple. In time, Don and Nancy enjoyed traveling with their favorite traveling companions and good friends, Dick and Vivian Davis.
Don married Nancy (Swam) Charlton in 1961 in Delaware, Ohio, and they have three children, Donald D. (Kris), Cynthia Lambrecht (Paul), and Jennifer Mosely (Christopher). He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren; Sarah (Jake), Jacob, Noah, and Abby Charlton, and Alyssa and Trace Lambrecht. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and always enjoyed hearing about their remarkable accomplishments. He is also survived by his sister Mary Garner and her family in Alabama, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his best friends, Don Bennett and Ron Krock.
The family thanks Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the devoted care in Don's last months. We also owe much to Landings of Oregon where Don lived since September of 2024. Don worked there as well, rearranging furniture. The Landings Memory Care staff were extraordinarily supportive and the family will be forever grateful. Tributes for Don may be given to Christ United Methodist Church of Oregon, Landings of Oregon - Memory Care, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or your favorite public TV station.
Visitation will be Friday, September 12, 2025 from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 Coy Rd. Services will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 at Christ United Methodist Church 5757 Starr Ext. where the family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in North Oregon Cemetery.