Donald Peed

Don Peed had a true zest for life. Among his family, he was known for his big set of arms and his generous heart. Don was proud of his many military accomplishments in the twenty-two years that he served in the U.S. Army. He was equally proud of his family, and in their company a familiar smile often brimmed over his lips.

The year 1938 marked the twilight of the Great Depression. Although President Roosevelt implemented many "New Deal" programs to combat the slumped stock market, ultimately the Second World War would revive the economy. Although this was a difficult, uncertain time in American history, Russell Peed and his wife Ollie Dobson maintained their positive spirits by focusing on the blessings in their life together. On August 31, 1938 they welcomed their son Donald Edward into their home in Marion County, Indiana.

The youngest of six children, Don grew up in

Indianapolis

with his siblings Bill Durham, Walter Durham, Renee George, Russell Peed, and Wilmer Peed. Don was the youngest in the family. He often tagged along with his older brothers, especially to the Garfield Movie Theater. Since he suffered from polio and rheumatic fever as a child, Don was never too involved with sports. All the same, he enjoyed a happy, if not mischievous, childhood.

For his education, Don attended a Seventh-Day Adventist school and later graduated from Arsenal Technical High in 1956. He then divided his time between his job and his hobby: he worked at West Baking Company and he loved drag-racing. Around this time, Don fell in love and was married. Though his marriage would not last, he was blessed with three wonderful children, Bobby, Mike, and Steve. Don was very proud of his boys, and he was especially pleased that they all followed after his example by joining the service.

Don was drafted into the United States Army in 1965 to serve in the Vietnam war. After one tour in

Vietnam

, he decided that he wanted to commit his professional life to the Service. He did not like the way that some of his superiors behaved, and he believed that his country needed better career men in the armed services. This marked the beginning of his twenty-two year active duty career with the United States Army.

Just before Don was sent to

Vietnam

, he remarried to Helen Jean Davis. He inherited two children through marriage, David L. Davis and Karen Lynn Myers, and he loved and treated them as if they were his own. When he returned from his first tour, Don brought his family with him to

Kansas

, where he trained to become a recruiter. After completing his training, he was able to move his family back to

Indiana

. For the next two years he worked as a recruiter in Bargersville before getting reassigned to the downtown

Indianapolis

office. He later served in

Franklin, Indiana

, during which time his family moved again to Bargersville. During this time, Don was honored as recruiter of the year on many occasions.

After many successful years as a recruiter, Don transferred to the Armor Branch; in 1974 he was appointed the position of tank commander. After he completed his training, he was sent to

Germany

, where he served from 1976-1979. He then returned to

Fort

Knox

, right as his stepson David was entering the service. Don remained in

Fort

Knox

for a brief period before returning to

Germany

. After he completed his service in

Germany

, Don again returned to

Fort

Knox

where he was designated by the Secretary of the Army as a Regimental Command Sergeant Major for the 81st Armor Regiment. He retired from

Fort

Knox

in 1987 with the rank of First Sergeant.

Following his retirement, Don and his wife Helen Jean moved back to

Indiana

where he went to work in the civilian world. He worked a variety of jobs before his complete retirement in 1996, including selling insurance, managing self-storage areas, and working in security. In the year 2000 his life changed with the passing of his wife Helen Jean.

Don then met his future wife Carol Ann Hartman through a dating service on the internet. After lots of emailing, they met at a restaurant and quickly began dating. On May 11, 2002 they were married. Carol was attracted to his religious overtones and the courage that he demonstrated during Helen Jean's battle with cancer. She thought he must be "one heck of a guy." Don also inherited three children through this marriage, Michelle Lynn Hartman, Sharon Lynette Mangin, and Kevin Arthur Hartman, as well as a cat and dog. Although Don never liked cats, he truly spoiled Patches; he also loved Carol's dog, Cece.

In his later years, Don continued to recruit for the army and he visited several schools to speak. He was proud of his military legacy, and he was glad that he shared it with his sons. He was honored and recognized many times for his work. Don also spent a lot of time with fellow veterans at the Westfield V.F.W., Post 10207, where he was quartermaster.

Don and Carol shared a love for travel. They bought an RV together and explored most of

America

. He wanted to go back to

Vietnam

, but he was not sure if he was able to. After reading a lot about it, he decided that he was mentally prepared; nonetheless, he was unable to get there. His favorite places in the world were the mountains of

Wyoming

and

Southern Germany

. In addition to travel, Don also enjoyed horseback riding, especially in the mountains. When he was at home, he liked to spend the afternoon outdoors, either in the pool or working on the yard. He loved music, especially bands from the Fifties like the Ventures. He had a heck of a record collection, and lately he'd started listening to country. Don did all the cooking at home, and his favorite dinner was a grilled steak. He also enjoyed eating out, and he and Carol liked trying new restaurants together.

In his later years, Don was pleased to see his family grow with the births of fifteen grandchildren. He was always very proud of their accomplishments. He also had two great grandchildren and one on the way.

Don's most cherished possessions were his military accomplishments. He was proud to have served his country and fought for their democratic ideals. In addition to his role as patriot and veteran, Don was a loving husband, father, and grandpa who will be greatly missed and frequently remembered by the many people who loved him.

Don died on September 26, 2005. Survivors include his wife, Carol Ann Peed; children, Bobby and Steve Peed; step-children, David L. Davis, Karen Lynn Myers, Michelle Lynn Hartman, Sharon Lynette Mangin, Kevin Arthur Hartman; brothers, Russell Peed, Wilmer Peed; fifteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Helen Jean Peed; one son, Mike Peed; siblings, Bill Durham, Walter Durham, and Renee George. Friends and family will gather on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Smith Carmel Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the funeral home. You are invited to visit Don's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a personal memory or make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association.