Donald Dean DeBoer

Don DeBoer, 71, of Bainbridge, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in his home, surrounded by family and friends.

Don was born Oct 13, 1940, in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, to Rev. David and LaFerna (Henwood) DeBoer. He and his younger sister Darleen were raised in Ohio, Alabama and Indiana.

He graduated from Bicknell High School in 1958. He attended Evansville College and Indiana Teachers College (ISU) where he played football and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

He graduated with a teaching degree in 1962 and married Janice Sue Austin on August 4, 1963.

Mr. DeBoer began his career as a teacher and coach at Center Grove High School. He then moved to North Putnam Junior-Senior High School, where he was a teacher, coach, athletic director and assistant principal for 18 years.

He retired in 2000 after serving 11 years as principal of North Knox High School.

Don is survived by three daughters, Donna DeBoer and fiancé David Lawhorn, Daon DeBoer and Darcie Green and husband Kevin, all of Bainbridge; grandchildren Dara and Derek Eisman and Lauren and Beau Green, sister Darleen Heironimus and husband Jerry of Bicknell; sister-in-law, Judy Rush of Sarasota, Fla.; brother-in-law Pat Dragon of Orlando, Fla.; and nephew Don Robert Inman and wife Clarissa of Bloomfield. He also has many nieces and nephews who love him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Janice Sue Austin DeBoer, his parents, nephew Sean Inman, sister-in-law Janie Dragon, brother-in-law Dave Rush Sr. and great-niece, Kendra Earley.

The family will accept visitors from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 6 at North Putnam High School gymnasium with a celebration of life service immediately following visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the North Putnam Alumni Association or Rescued Treasures (Putnam County Humane Society).

Arrangements are being handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Royster-Askin-Sandrock Chapel. Online Condolences can be made at bellmortuary.com.