Obit Don Funchion

CAREY — Don F. Funchion, age 75, of Carey, was welcomed into heaven on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Bridge Hospice, after one last kiss by the love of his life, Barbara, who was always by his side.

Services honoring Don’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at his graveside in Spring Grove Cemetery, with the Rev. Joe Turner officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Hospice and may be sent to the care of the funeral home.

Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home is honored to serve Don’s family.

Condolences may be expressed by visiting StombaughBatton.com

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On July 8, 1946, Don was born in Adrian, Michigan, one of two children of the late Donald and Freda (Griffith) Funchion. He married Barbara Higgins on Nov. 3, 1969.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Funchion; three children, Jameson “Jamie” (Cheryle) Funchion, Phillip Funchion and Donald Funchion; four grandchildren, Tyler Bailey, Aubrey Funchion, Seth Walton and Kaylen (Greg) Layton Manley; two great-grandchildren, Evelyn Layton and Avery Manley; a sister, Joey Pedro; many nieces and nephews; and his best friend from the railroad, John Hale.

Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn “DD” Layton in 2019. 

After a rough childhood in Sand Creek, Michigan, he left home and found work on the railroad in Willard, with ACY Railroad. Then, in 1969, he was transferred in the company and moved to Carey. He worked as a trackman for over 30 years, first for ACY and later for CSX Transportation. After breaking his back on the railroad in 1994, he was forced to retire.

Shortly after moving to Carey in 1969, Don was introduced to his future wife, Barbara, by her sister, who was hooked up with a fellow railroader. After a whirlwind love affair, they were married on Nov. 3, 1969, and have cherished every minute of their 51-plus years together.

In addition to working on the railroad, Don would help his father-in-law, Lacy Higgins, make pallets from his saw mill for Porcelain Products and other companies.

He also attended the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church of God.

An outdoorsman, Don enjoyed going deer and rabbit hunting, both by gun and bow. He especially enjoyed teaching his son, Jamie, to hunt with him. He also was an avid camper, often taking his camper with a group of friends over to Mrs. Clabough’s in Upper Sandusky. Don also loved watching the old time classic movies and westerns, he loved to draw and was very skilled at it, and he loved country music.

Don worked hard all of his life, and would do anything he could to help his family and friends. He had a fun loving personality, always joking around and having a good laugh. 

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