Obituary of Donald F. Brainard, Bazetta, Ohio

BAZETTA, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Donald Francis Brainard, 90, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Hospice House in Poland, Ohio.

He was born in Gustavus, Ohio, on March 2, 1934, the son of Louise (Turner) and Loren Daniel Brainard.

Don became a skilled welder working for the former Grinnell of Warren, Ohio before joining the team at Packard Electric of Warren, Ohio. He dedicated twenty-seven years of service before retiring. On January 2, 2014, he married Bessie Mae Clauss-Thorp.

Don was a member of Riverview Golf Course and was active in two leagues. He could be found on the golf course most days.

He and Bessie were snowbirds in both Titusville and Jensen Beach, Florida where he continued their almost daily golf games. Don greatly enjoyed bird watching and tending to his bird feeders daily, making sure his birds were sated with dried worms. He enjoyed dancing with the Cross Trailers of Warren, Ohio, displaying his fun-loving spirit and love of music and movement. Don especially enjoyed playing card games, especially “Hand & Foot” with Bessie and his daughters when they were home. Pinochle was also a favorite pastime that brought joy and laughter to those who played with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Brainard; and two great-grandchildren.

Don leaves behind his wife of ten years, Bessie Mae Clauss-Thorp of Bazetta, Ohio; three daughters, Cynthia L. Jadloski of Crossville, Tennessee, Sally J. Emery of Vernon, Ohio, and Denise E. Klingensmith of Acworth, Georgia; stepson, Ronald “Chip” (Billie) Brainard of Byron, Georgia; 2 stepdaughters, Patricia A. (Martin) Daniels of Bazetta, Ohio, and Donna M. (Charles) Rulick of Huntsville, North Carolina; stepson, Richard A. (Diana) Thorp of Hubbard, Ohio; 22 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley (Warren) Crislip of South Haven, Michigan; and two brothers, Stanley Brainard of Titusville, Florida, and Robert (Phyllis) Brainard of Palm Bay, Florida.

Private burial followed at Gustavus Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrot Road, Poland, OH, 44514 or Gustavus Federated Church, PO Box 5, Farmdale, OH, 44417.

Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service of Kinsman was in charge of arrangements. Please share a loving memory or condolences at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald F. Brainard, please visit our flower shop.

A televised tribute will air on July 7 at the following approximate times: 8:58 am on FOX and 9:58 pm on MyYTV. The video will be posted here on the day of the broadcast.