Donald L. Utt, 85, of Mansfield passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017 in his home following a short illness.
He was born May 10, 1932 in Parsons, West Virginia the son of Fred and Evelyn (Gray) Utt Swinford.
Donald worked over 30 years at the former Fisher Body as a press operator retiring in the early 90s as an inspector.
A United States Army Veteran, Donald served in Korea as a tank armor crewman with many close encounters. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 2015, Don was fortunate to visit Washington D.C. as a part of the Honor Flight program.
He was a member of AMVETS #26 and the VFW, as well as a life member of the Fraternal Order of the Moose #341.
Donald had a passion for bowling, playing at least three times every week (and would have done it all five if he could). He also enjoyed golf later in life, but gardening was his second love. Planting flower and vegetable gardens every year on his own property as well as those of his kids and grandkids, if there was a patch of dirt, he had the urge to grow something. His other interests included Sprint Car racing and basketball.
An ornery kidder, Donald loved to B.S. with people. Honest and truthful sometimes to a fault, he was also tenacious and persistent.
He is survived by his children and their spouses Carol and Steve Flockenzier, Donald D. Utt, Kenneth L. and Robin Utt, Cheryl and Joe Gonzolez, and Becky Carmel, all of Mansfield; step son Anthony Ward of Reno, Nevada; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and even two great great grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings Fred “Sonny” and Charlene Utt, Karen and Don Swinford, and Charlotte Smith, all of Mansfield.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother to his children, Minnie Utt, second wife Bonnie Utt, son Ronnie L. Utt, a daughter Kimberly Jo Utt, and his brother John Utt.
Friends may call Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral service will be held Friday at noon. Friends may call the hour prior to the service.
The Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail will perform honors at the funeral home following the service. Pastor Mel Schroeder will officiate and burial will be in Zion Four Corners Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to Ohio Health Hospice or the Richland County Humane Society may be made at the funeral home.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Donald Utt and messages of sympathy or support may be made to them by visitng www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
