Donald Cantwell

Donald E. Cantwell passed away at his home in Columbus on Friday, January 26, 2018. He was born at home on June 23, 1930 to Obie A. and Bertha (Greathouse) Cantwell. Raised in Middlebourne, WV, he graduated from Tyler County HS and attended Salem College. He played basketball and football and loved to golf.

Don was a draftsman and illustrator. He lived in various places from Ohio to Florida to New York until he returned to Columbus where, at the age of 32, he met and married Margie. A year later, Don bought a football for their first baby, but that turned out to be their very girly girl Amy. After a move to the Bremen area as few years later David was born and Don finally had a use for that football, and basketball and baseball. Don and Marge settled in on Strayer Avenue to raise their kids. Their big surprise, Megan, arrived in 1977 and the world was forever changed!

Don did many things well but he excelled at being a Dad. He was his children’s biggest fan in everything they did. He supported every activity and interest. He helped with homework, tossed a ball until dark, was there for every event and made pancakes in fun shapes on Saturday morning. He spent countless hours sitting on bleachers for Dave’s sports and Megan’s band. He taught Amy about layout and design and photography. He took the family on great summer vacations. Don quietly did the small things that make the best memories.

When the grandkids came along, Don gave them the same attention he had his children. He enjoyed going to their games and activities as well. Even as he became very ill, little Maize Marie could make him smile.

Don retired from Diamond Power in Lancaster, OH and worked for Hide-Away-Hills as a building inspector in his retirement. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Atlanta Braves. If he couldn’t be at a game, there was one on the television. He enjoyed sitting on the porch in Bremen and watching the birds at the feeder. He loved animals and they loved him right back.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years Marjorie (Clouse) Cantwell; daughters Amy (Rick) Ross and Megan Cantwell-Scarborough; son David (LeAnn) Cantwell; grandchildren, Emily and Dominic Ross, Celeste, Hanna, Parker, Chloe, Grace and Lainey Cantwell, Tate Scarborough and Maize Cantwell; his sisters Ina Claire (Keith) Yoho and Janet (Bob) Doak and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call 2 – 5 pm Sunday, January 28 at the Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 4661 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH.

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