ppassed away on January 31, 2018. Don was born in Syracuse, New York on February 6, 1931 to George and Mary Place. Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Graves Place, son Derek Place, daughters Elizabeth (Carlos) Merriweather, and Jennifer Place (David Knaggs), four grandchildren, Brenton Place, Sarah Sutterfield, Robert Jamieson, Kaylin Place, great grandchildren Camden Place and Charlotte Sutterfield. Brother to George Place and Lola Mumbulo, and many nieces and nephews. 12px;"Don lived in the Clarkston community since 1968 and worked as an educator in the Special Education Department of Oakland Intermediate School District for 30 years.12px;"Don was very involved in the Clarkston community, always a willing volunteer. Don was the founder of the Clarkston SCAMP Summer program with Clarkston Special Education Director Bob Brumback and Civitan Jack Hunt. He also was a founding member of Light House North, served as president of several organizations including the North Oakland Civitans, Clarkston JayCees, Project Wild, and Detroit Metro Unit of Airstream International as well as educational organizations.Don attended the Waypoint Free Methodist Church. Over the years, he went on mission trips to help build churches in Chili and Kentucky.12px;"He and his wife, Carolyn traveled throughout the United States with their Airstream trailer with the highlight of rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. They also had more grand adventures, cruising the Panama Canal. Don and Carolyn wintered the last few years at Travelerrsquo;s Rest in Florida.12px;"Don was a wood carver and a musician. He made many beautiful ducks and wooden toys in his workshop. Don also had a love of music since he played in his high school band. He was still playing the saxophone into his 80s with the Travelerrsquo;s Rest band and the Independence Township Senior Center band.Don was a giver all his life and a loving husband, father and grandpa. He was a Christian believer and is home with the Lord.