Donald L. Hennon

Donald L. Hennon, 88, of Grove City passed away peacefully Friday in his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Donald was born to the late David Leslie and Pearl L. Sproull Hennon on March 7, 1926, in Boyers.

He graduated from Grove City High School in 1944.

A World War II era veteran, he served in the U.S. Army.

He married Avanel L. Eakin in the Boyers Methodist Church on March 19, 1948. Together they had nine children — three boys and six girls.

He retired from what was formerly the Cooper Bessemer in 1988. Following his retirement, he worked at Adesa Auto Auction for a number of years.

Don especially enjoyed spending time with his loving family. Yearly camping trips to New York and Florida were a valued family tradition. Getting together for campfires and making peanut brittle and homemade ice cream were favorite pastimes. Family ping-pong tournaments always ended with Don being the ping-pong champion. Hunting and fishing trips with his children and grandchildren provided many cherished memories.

Donald volunteered at the food pantry, went on mission trips with the church and coached many of his children's' sports teams. He and his wife traveled many miles watching their children and grandchildren participate in sporting events. He was always their number one fan! In his youth, Don played in the baseball minor league before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

Don was a kind, generous, caring, and hardworking man who lived a Christian life. He had a terrific sense of humor, was quick to share a story or joke and always had a warm, welcoming smile. He was truly loved by all who knew him and he gave love unconditionally.

Donald is survived by his wife, Avanel. Together they celebrated their 66-year wedding anniversary in March. He is also survived by his nine children and their families, Brad and Teresa Hennon of Marathon, Fla.; Dr. Sandra Hennon of Grove City and Dennis Pack of Mercer, Mrs. Cindy and Edward Flick of Boyers, Mrs. Debra and Bruce Denniston of Grove City, Scott Hennon of Danbury, Conn., Mrs. Bonnie and Ron Gilkey of Mercer, Mrs. Amy and Tom Howard of Grove City, David and Susie Hennon of Grove City, and Mrs. Tracie and Tom Nicholudis of Poland, Ohio; his 21 grandchildren; his 10 great-grandchildren, and his two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Vera Morgan and Lucille Rentz, and his grandson, Randal Scott Hennon.

Hennon — Calling hours for Donald L. Hennon, who passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, are from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Grace United Methodist Church, 210 S. Broad St., Grove City.Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary with the Rev. Howard Greenfield and the Rev. Willard Morse officiating. A luncheon in the church will follow the service. Interment will be in Clintonville Methodist Cemetery.Arrangements are by theCunningham Funeral Home, Grove City.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Butler VNA Hospice Program, to Grove City Food Bank or to the Grace United Methodist Church.