Donald D. Tyson

Donald D. Tyson, 75, of Centerville, died Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Meadville Medical Center following a sudden illness.

He was born in Youngstown, OH, March 17, 1938, a son of Joseph A. and Emeline M. Dickson Tyson.  He first married Barbara Toomey and she preceded him in death in 1996.  He subsequently married Amber Blouin Quinones May 27, 2001 and she survives.

Don was a 1955 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Youngstown and a graduate of Ohio University, Athens, OH with a bachelor’s degree in political science.  He worked in management for J.C. Penney Company, Youngstown for 15 years and subsequently at Snap-tite, Inc., Union City for over 30 years, retiring in 2002.

Don was a member of the United Evangelical Free Church of Guys Mills.  He was a volunteer reader for the Tiger Tales reading program in Guys Mills.  He enjoyed gardening, camping, and growing blueberry bushes for people to self-pick and the conversation he shared with his blueberry customers.

Don was very proud of his self-built home but most of all he loved his family and his time spent with them.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Amber of 12 years, include five children, Rebecca Arbuckle and her husband Randy of Meadville, Susan Palmer of Wallingford, CT, and Joseph N. Tyson, Daniel C. Tyson, and Anika D. Tyson, all at home; two step-children, Christina R. Quinones at home and Andre R. Quinones of Edinboro; five grandchildren, Dail and Donald White, Kayla Palmer, and Adam and Jennifer Mattis; seven great-grandchildren, Madailine, Joel, Alice, Anthony, Kameron, Andy, and Mackenzie; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Rodis and a brother, James Tyson.

Calling hours are today (Thursday) from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville and Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the United Evangelical Free Church of Guys Mills, 11534 State Hwy 198, Guys Mills.  The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with the Rev. David Coddington, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Kingsley Cemetery, Townville.

Memorials may be made to Amber Tyson (for their children’s educational fund), c/o Rebecca Arbuckle, 25393 State Hwy 27, Meadville, PA 16335.

Share your memories and condolences at www.waidfuneralhome.net.