Donald Clyde Perrin

PERRIN, Donald Clyde

August 13, 1940 – January 5, 2026

Donald Clyde Perrin, aged 85, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio. Known to his family as "Donnie," his friends as Don, and to thousands more as "Santa Don," Don was a man who truly never met a stranger. His warmth, gregarious spirit, and genuine love for people left an indelible mark on every community he touched. Born on August 13, 1940, on a farm near Verona, Ohio, Don was the son of the late Lester and Bessie (Shahan) Perrin of Ithaca. He attended Verona Primary School and Gordon’s one-room country school before graduating from Arcanum High School in 1958. Don’s commitment to his country began in 1963 when he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard. Serving until 1970, he was stationed at the Greenville Armory where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving with distinction as a supply sergeant. Don began his professional journey at National Cash Register (NCR) in the early 1960s, but his heart belonged to the airlines. In 1968, he began a 32-year career with TransWorld Airlines (TWA). His work took him to 13 different airports across the country before his retirement in 2000. Retirement was simply the beginning of a new chapter of service. Don graduated from the Professional Santa Claus School in Denver, Colorado, embarking on a 25-year mission to spread holiday magic. As a professional Santa, he brought joy to thousands of children across the United States—from the mainland to Hawaii—embodying the spirit of wonder and kindness. A lifelong motorsports enthusiast, Don lived for the roar of an engine—cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, you name it! He loved the Indy 500, Le Mans Grand Prix, and NASCAR, and frequently attended local and national racing events. Growing up on a farm in the wake of the Great Depression, Donald learned the values of self-sufficiency. He was never a stranger to tools or heavy machinery, possessing a natural gift for understanding how things worked. He personally constructed two of the many homes he lived in. His most cherished project was a unique log cabin he built near Estes Park, Colorado, which featured sweeping, majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. Don’s greatest legacy is the family he cherished. He is survived by:

His sister: Nancy (Perrin) Ady of Arcanum.

His children: Donald "Butch" Perrin (Virginia), Mark Perrin (Colorado), Kandace Labaya (Nevada), and Chad Perrin (New Hampshire).

His grandchildren: Megan (Perrin) Lownes (Pennsylvania); Seth Perrin, Abigail Perrin, and Jazmine Sandoval (Virginia); Daniel Labaya and Ka'lea Labaya (Nevada).

His great-grandchildren: Laurel Wimer (Virginia); and Aaron, Archer, and Aric Lownes (Pennsylvania).

His niece and nephew: Teri (Ady) Curtin and Michael Ady, both of Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lester and Bessie Perrin.

Services

Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories and celebrate a life well-lived:

Viewing: Sunday, January 18, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Celebration of Life: Sunday, January 18, at 4:00 PM

Location: Kreitzer's Funeral Home, 204 N Main St, Arcanum, OH 45304

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund. Don spent his life making a difference; these contributions will continue that mission by supporting vital research

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