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1914 - 2010
 Age: 96
Areaux, Donald B.
Lawton
Formerly of Paw Paw
Donald Brown Areaux, 96, a lifelong resident of Paw Paw, until taking up residence at White Oaks Retirement in Lawton in 2009, died Friday, December 24, at White Oaks. Don was born December 22, 1914, the son of Theo and Cleo (Brown) Areaux. He was preceded in death by both parents, and his wife of 53 years, Helen (Rumsey) Areaux. Following high school graduation, Don went on to attend Western Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Following graduation from WMU, the university employed him to teach at the Richland Training School, which was maintained by Western to assist students training to become teachers. During his last year at Richland he served as acting principal, but was drafted by the Army in 1942, inadvertently ending his five-year career in the educational field. During World War II, Don spent his first year serving as assistant chief clerk at Battey General Army Hospital in Rome, Georgia. He was promoted to chief clerk, and Sgt. Major of the 22nd Medical Replacement Regiment, where he was responsible for the allocation and supervision of duties of all enlisted personnel assigned to that Regiment. He went on to fill a position as Adjutant General of the Fifteenth Headquarters of the U.S. Army, where he was responsible for assigning men to Units using their military occupational specialties. While serving his country he earned the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon, a Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, and a WWII Victory Medal. He received an honorable discharge to return home in December, 1945. Once home, he was employed as an accountant for Areaux Auto Sales, a Pontiac dealership owned by his father. While there he applied for and secured a position through the Veteran's Administration to serve as a vocational rehabilitation training officer to assist homecoming soldiers find employment with local businesses. He married Helen on June 9, 1956. She died May 30, 2008, nine days after celebrating her 93rd birthday. Both were long term employees of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. In 1984 Don was awarded the William E. Upjohn Prize in recognition of special accomplishment for a program he designed and enacted. He remained there for 22 years, retiring at the age of 74. He truly enjoyed the small things in life, sporting a quick wit and positive attitude throughout life. In honor of his wishes there will be no memorial services and cremation has already taken place, with Adams Funeral Home tending to final arrangements. Donations may be made in his name to the White Oaks Alzheimers Fund in Lawton. |
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There are currently 4 condolences.
CLARA MAJOR
C123STEP@FRONTIER.NET
Thursday January 6, 2011 at
6:56 PM
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Don was a real kind and very loving gentleman to his wife, mother,and everyone he met. I never heard him complain, he only acted and said positive things. I had the honor to care for his father and mother. When Theo went to the nursing home I cared for Cleo till she had to go to a nursng home. I remember Don walked from his home to his mother's every night thru rain, snow and one time a blizzard to put his mother to bed, lock up the house, see if Cleo had everything needed for the next day. When Don was ill one time Helen called me to see if I would tuck Cleo in one night at 9 pm so Don could rest. Well there I was at Cleo's and who comes thru the door but Don with a great smile on his face. Saying was I trying to take his job away!! Telling his mom when she was concern about him.."Mother I wouldn't be able to rest until I saw and knew you was safe and in bed". Don did care for his mother, and the love of his life, Helen. I must agree with what was written about Don before..... What a truely loving gift he received from God for Christmas... Don joined Helen and now he is hopefully dancing to the "Big Band Music" that Helen and he danced to while they were courting. Don you deserve the best and now you have it Helen and Cleo. I think of all of you often and with a smile and love. Clara
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Katie Charkowski
chicokatie2003@yahoo.com
Wednesday December 29, 2010 at
2:00 PM
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I had the pleasure of working with Don @ the Upjohn Company for 8 years. Don was patient,kind and always helpful and positive. What a great opportunity for me to work with such a memorable and positive man. I'll always remember Don with good thoughts. God Bless you Don!
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Allen Woodruff
Tuesday December 28, 2010 at
2:56 PM
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Don will be missed. I enjoyed conversing with him on a fairly regular basis until I moved away in 2005. We invited Don and Helen over for Christmas Eve celebrations. I was fortunate that Don and Helen were able to attend my college graduation. Myself and my family will miss the good times and good conversations that we had with Don. God Bless.
Allen Woodruff
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Mike, Joy, Michael & Matthew Hartman
Monday December 27, 2010 at
9:59 PM
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Farwell, sweet Don!
We hope you rest peacefully in God's Kingdom with your lovely, bride, Helen. What a Christmas present that must have been for both of you to be reunited.
We will miss your bright smile, your gentleness, and your quick humor! I am so glad that my boys came to see you on the Monday before you died, my only regret is that I did not get to join them...
We have missed both you and Helen, as our neighbors. We will always hold dear and remember the good times we had visiting on your front porch,the dinners we shared together, and the rides we took. You were a lovely man, and wow...the accomplishments in your life! Though it does not suprise me knowing you. You and Helen both were an inspiration to us; to know that people can grow old and still be sharpe mentally and physically, and keep their sense of humor.
We will miss you.
Love,
Joy, Mike, Michael and Matthew
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