Donald G. Salo, Sr Obituary (1933 - 2015)

Donald G. Salo Sr. (Don) died on November 2, 2015, of injuries and complications from a car accident. He was born on May 14, 1933, in Pequaming, Michigan, a town owned by Henry Ford. He graduated from L'Anse High School in 1951, and was drafted into the Army for the Korean War. He attended Bristol College. He remained in the Army where he later received a Regular Army commission as a Warrant Officer. During his 23 years in the Army he served in Germany, as well as Korea and a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal as well as various other medals during his distinguished career. After retirement, he was Sales Manager for Thomas Industries in Johnson City, Tennessee. Upon his retirement from Thomas Industries, he moved back to L'Anse and with his wife, Judy. They took on the project of remodeling a cottage on Lake Superior using the skills his father, a carpenter, had taught him. Several years later, they moved back to Tennessee, and then to Florida. He was a proud veteran, as well as member of the VFW, American Legion, MOAA, and Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. He enjoyed traveling, working in his yard, and camping, as well as completing countless projects around the house. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy; four sons, Donald G. Jr. (Stacey), Lorton, VA; Robert (Christine), Glen Allen, VA; Gerald Salo (Teresa), Bristow, VA; and Edward (Jennifer) of Jonesboro, AR; and one daughter, Carolyn Bailey (Stuart), Clarksville, TN; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Ellen Maki and Jenny Janda. Visitation will be at 3:00 and funeral service at 4:00 on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 9700 W. Newberry Road in Gainesville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alachua County Humane Society.