Donald Bland

Donald (Don) Bland, Sr., 71, of Salem, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011 at his special friends home in Salem. Don retired from the City of Salem after 40 years of service. He loved children. In his spare time, he enjoyed sitting at Greenhill Park with friends. He also took pleasure in sitting on the benches at Kroger and Wal-Mart while talking to employees and customers. Don was a man who never met a stranger and was loved by everyone. Football and Nascar racing were among his favorite things to watch. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Bobby, Freddie, and McGenis; and a daughter, Valerie Bland. His surviving family includes a very special friend of 35 years, Helen Archer of Salem; son, Donald Bland, Jr. and wife, Sheryl; and two special grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michael Gardner. Special thanks from the family goes out to his two special friends, Sonny and Brenda Foutz of Salem, who cared for Don. They would also like to thank their hospice service and especially Mike St. Clair, for his care. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 6 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. A brief visitation period will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Dons name may be sent to the American Autism Association at 135 58th Street Suite #2 in Brooklyn, NY 11220. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.johnmoakey.com. The Bland family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral and Cremation Service in Salem, 540-389-5441.