Donald Stoten Jr.

Donald Stoten, Jr., 97, a lifelong Rush County resident, passed away May 27, 2024 in Morristown. Donald was born in Rush County March 23, 1927 to the late Donald Sr and Mildred (Herkless) Stoten. Don was a 1945 graduate of Carthage High School. He farmed for 2 years and then attended Purdue University receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in 1951. While at Purdue, Don was on the Purdue Judging team, an employee at the Purdue radio station reporting the farm markets and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He served his country in the United States Army as a First lieutenant. Don married Sharon (Dickerhoff) on October 7, 1961 and she survives. Don met Sharon at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition. After that meeting, he sold cattle to Sharon for her livestock showing career and that led to their marriage. Don was a member of the American Angus Associations as a registered Angus cattle breeder owning his farm known as Golden Dawn Farms being established in 1938. The farm was awarded many international and state awards with their Angus cattle, Percheron horses and exhibiting grain. He was very active in 4-H all his life and served as a long time Rush County 4-H Tractor Maintenance Leader and 4-H Beef Judge at several county fairs. He was also a member of Center Christian Church since 1961 serving as a deacon. In addition to his wife, Sharon, he is survived by his sons, Robert Stoten and Brent Stoten of Carthage; daughters, Betsy (Jeff) Kachmar of Fort Wayne and Dawn Robinson of Rushville. He will also be missed by his 6 grandchildren, Daniel Stoten, Jessica Stoten, Jeremy Stoten, Monica Robinson, Lillian Robinson and Reagan Robinson and 2 great-grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10AM at Center Christian Church with Pastor Darryl Denney presiding. Friends are welcome to visit the family from 4PM-7PM, Thursday evening at Center Christian Church. Burial will be held in Glen Cove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Center Christian Church or Rush County 4-H Council in memory of Donald.

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Donald Stoten Jr.

March 23, 1927 - May 27, 2024