Donald L. “Don” Traxler, age 87, of Ada, Ohio passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Vancrest of Ada.
He was born in Crane Township, Wyandot County, Ohio on April 28, 1936 to the late Albert N. and Garnetta (Kinley) Traxler. On August 9, 1964 Don married Myra I. Hiett and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2007.
Don spent most of his life in education. He retired from Ohio Northern University in 1992, where he was a Professor of Education. He formerly worked for Wood County Schools, Grand Rapids Elementary School, Harrod School and Elyria City Schools. He was a 1954 graduate of Salem Local School; he then received his B.S. in Education in 1958 and his M.S. in Education in 1965 from Bowling Green State University and his PH.D. from The Ohio State University in 1987.
Don was proud to have served as Freddie Falcon for football in 1956. Don was also active in the Ohio Education Association and served as president, the Democratic Party, and the Hardin County Board of Elections. He was active in the Ada village government serving as mayor and a city councilman. He was a charter member of the Ada Historical Society.
Don was a member of the Ada First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Ada Music Boosters, the Ada Academic Boosters, and the Ada Athletic Boosters. He served as public address announcer for the Ada Bulldogs football team, girls and boys basketball teams, and for the Elmwood Royals football team.
Don was an avid sports fan and really enjoyed watching his grandsons play on school teams as well as watching his son, Ty, coach. He cherished his time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Ty (Heather) Traxler of Bowling Green; two grandsons: Andrew Traxler and Owen Traxler; two sisters: Nancy (Ron) Bolender of Eaton and Clarice Atherholt of Upper Sandusky.
He was preceded in death by two infant children; and a sister, Bonnie Clutcher.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada with Rev. Brandi Rigsby officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada.
Friends may call from 4:00-:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ada High School Foundation.
