Obituary of Don Tennyson

Don Tennyson, 94, of Niles, passed away peacefully at Woodland Terrace on Thursday, May 09, 2019.

He was born on March 6, 1925, to the late; Bert T. and Edyth (Johnson) Tennyson in South Bend, Indiana.

Don graduated from Niles High school in 1942. He was the last surviving member of the 1942 State Championship Basketball Team. Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corp while a freshman at the University of Michigan in 1943.  He served in the 3^rd Division during World War II as an artillery forward observer, and in the Marine 1^st division in China after the war. Upon discharge, he returned to the University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon National Fraternity. After graduation, he was employed by Garden City Fan Co, first in Chicago and then in Niles as the Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing. He retired in 1983 after 34 years of employment.  

On July 30, 1949, he married the former Elizabeth “Betty” Rowland at a ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church, in Niles. Together they raised three children, the two eldest preceded him in death; Robert T. Tennyson and Brian Jeffrey Tennyson, in 2006.

Don was a past president of the Niles Chamber of Commerce and the Niles-Buchanan Rotary Club, and a member of the YMCA. He served on the Niles Safety Board from 1973-1978. He was Chairman of The Indian Lake Sewer committee which was responsible for getting the Indian Lake sewer system installed. He was a lifetime member of the Niles First Presbyterian Church.

His favorite sports were basketball and volleyball. In his free time, he enjoyed playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles, listening to country music, and traveling with his wife.

He is survived his daughter, Lisa Tennyson and her partner Mika Hirai of Massachusetts.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Betty; his sons, Rob and Jeff; a sister, Phyllis Stevens; and a brother, Robert Tennyson.

Memorial contribution can be made in D. A’s memory to; the Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to the We Soldier On Project  https://www.wesoldieron.org/

At Don’s request, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at Mission Hills where he will be laid to rest with his wife.