Don was born October 17, 1932 to Peter and Juanita Eloff in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. He had one younger brother James. As a young boy, Don would go to the Greyhound Bus Station to shine shoes using the handmade shoe shine kit he made himself. He later worked in the station as a bag porter. Don would take on any odd jobs to help out the family. He graduated from Central High School in 1950, where he ran track and played football. He later met his wife to be Irene at the corner confectionary. During their courtship Don decided to learn how to dance because he didn't like being on the sidelines watching Irene dance with his friends. Apparently a good move, because if you've ever seen Don and Irene dance, they could rock a dance floor!
Don worked his way up at the Frisco and Santa Fe Railroads doing various jobs until he landed a position as a Salesman. This was what he truly loved. He enjoyed the interaction with people and acquired lifelong friends over the years.
In 1953 Don and Irene married. They started off as every other struggling couple living in a third floor attic only to move to a larger third floor attic when beginning their family. They eventually moved to Dellwood where they raised their four children Rodney, Lisa, Lori and Leslie, participating in activities from Indian Guides to Girl Scouts. Don was very active in the local area traffic club and enjoyed bowling. Don and Irene loved to camp and took many family vacations traveling around the States and Mexico. In their retired years, they'd make the snowbird trek in their RV to Florida, stopping off in Biloxi for some buffets and casinos. Don is blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law (Lisa), three son-in-laws (Bob, Curt & John) and ten Grandchildren, Darren, Lauren(Tim), Ashlynn, Daniel, Rachel, Andrew, Blake, Kirsti(Mickel), Nathan and Zachary.Don made many wonderful friends during his lifetime, creating fond memories along the way. He had a special place in his heart for Jeanne, Carol and Michele. He was especially happy when he could help his children out or attend various events for his grandchildren and always looked forward to family celebrations. He wasn't however, fond of the many Christmas lights or garage sales that he got himself involved with, but he did those things for Irene, his puddin.
Don touched the lives of many throughout his years and will be missed very much by all.