Donald Richard Housman Sr.

Donald Richard Housman, Sr. passed away peacefully and comfortably at age 77 on June 19,

2023 at Parkview Haven Retirement Community in Francesville, Indiana surrounded by his

devoted family.

“Don” was born on March 11, 1946 in Roseland, Illinois to his loving parents, Grace (nee: Boekeloo) and Martin Housman. He grew up in Lansing, Illinois and attended Thornton Fractional South High School. After meeting his one and only true love, Lynn (nee: Beedon), the two married in a beautiful ceremony in Lansing, Illinois on August 5, 1966. This unbreakable bond created his greatest accomplishment, and infinite source of joy, his son, Don Jr. Don was an incredibly hard-working individual. He exemplified the true definition of “working man hands”. He started his own roofing company in Illinois, and would always be so excited to

show off all of the roofs he worked on in the Chicagoland area. Being around construction,

roofing led to other aspects of building for Don. Self-taught, he became quite the master

carpenter over the years. He took such great care in every single job he did, and could proudly

put his name on it. Working was a source of passion for him, as he felt he was helping people. To know Don was to understand his unfailing efforts to help anyone he could, whether it was family or a stranger. And, those efforts were always done with a smile on his face, a positive remark, and genuine compassion for people, no matter what hardships he faced in life. His smile was truly a reflection of God’s light in the world. And, his sense of humor was unique and unmatched by any other. To know him, was to laugh with him! Even though he worked hard, he had many things outside of work he enjoyed. Spending time with family was first on his list. Supporting his grandsons Zachary and Luke was a priority, as he was always there to support all of their endeavors. Not far behind was any thrill-seeking activity. He was a risk taker! You could often find him watching the dust kicked up at a dirt racetrack, water skiing, boating, riding ATVs and go carts, and anything that got his adrenaline going. Volunteering his time and talents was also very important to him. He participated in a prison ministry program, habitat for humanity, and spent countless hours helping people expecting nothing in return.

Don is survived by his loving wife: Lynn Housman; son: Don Jr. (Kristie) Housman, grandsons:

Zachary Housman and Luke Housman; siblings: Marilyn Brooke, Marty (Gloria) Housman, and

Ray (Barb) Housman, along with many nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother-in-law, Glenn Beedon.

A private family service will take place, and a celebration of life will be held at Embers Venue (230 W Washington St) in Rensselaer, Indiana on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm CST.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Boersma Funeral Home has been entrusted with his cremation, per Don’s wishes.

Thank you to the family for providing this obituary.