Donald Eugene Howlett, 78, passed away Friday at Hendricks Regional.  He was born to Albert and Edna Howlett on Jan. 10, 1944 in Greencastle, Indiana.  He graduated from Greencastle High School in 1962.  He began working at R. R. Donnelley's in 1968 and retired from there in 2004.

He is survived by: his wife, Darla; son, Damon (Stephanie); three grandchildren, Austin (Kiersten) Long, Peyton (Elyssa) Long and Taylor (Keith) Sims; three great-grandchildren, Addison, Reed and Sophie; one sister, Judy Mooney.

He bowled for several years, and after retirement, played golf in a senior league at Rocky Ridge.  He loved to travel, visiting historic and natural sites.  He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially IU basketball.  He loved planting and tending his flowers, feeding the birds and making small woodworking projects.   He had an enormous interest in space exploration and was a weather buff, reading extensively about both.

Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He was a good man with infinite patience and kindness.  He loved meeting new people, but was fiercely loyal to family and old friends.  He was a steadying force in the lives of his family and will be greatly missed.

A private family service will be held on Wednesday, April 6 ^th at Burkhart Funeral Home, Crawfordsville.  The family requests the omission of flowers.