Donald Lester Sperry, 89, of Ft. Wayne and formerly of Crawfordsville, passed away Aug. 26, 2026. Don led a life of dedication, purpose, and appreciation for the people and the world around him.
He was born in Crawfordsville on Christmas Day 1936, to G. Lester Sperry and Gladys B Sperry. He spent much of his life in Crawfordsville, graduating from Crawfordsville High School and attending Wabash College before he transferred to Indiana University, where he earned his business degree. He was offered a job with Bendix Corp in Teterboro, New Jersey. After five years, he returned to Crawfordsville with his wife (Dorothy Binford Sperry) and two children (Michael and Tracy) to begin his career with Wabash College. He led with a steadfast commitment to the College’s mission with integrity and care. After 35 years of service, he retired in 1998 as their Treasurer.
Don had many talents; he was known to have a green thumb: he cultivated many gardens over the years. He found satisfaction in tending vegetable gardens and the landscape in the homes where they lived. He also had the talent of creating with his hands. He built many cradles, dollhouses, and rocking horses for his grandchildren. He was an avid cyclist. He spent many hours on the road with friends and family, including riding in the Hilly Hundred and the Ragbrai (at the age of 71) or riding to Darlington, Indiana, for breakfast.
Don and his wife, Dottie, were married for 65 years. She survives. They enjoyed supporting their children and grandchildren. They had the privilege of travelling and experiencing much of what the world offered them. Don is also survived by their children, Michael (Vicki), Tracy and Donnie aka Jotipalo Bhiker; grandchildren, Caleb Sperry (Krystle), Wesley Sperry (Rashell) and Alyssa Henthorn (Alex Youngman); bonus great-granddaughter Kate Goldsberry; his sisters, Beulah Patterson, Sharon Sperry-Evans (Dallas) and Jan Castor (Larry); brothers-in-law, Richard Bindford (Cheryl) and John Binford (Nancy); and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Lou Moore; grandsons, Jacob Sperry and Evan Terhune; brothers-in-law, Bob Patterson and Harry Moore; and sister-in-law Kathy Binford.
A celebration is planned for a later date.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com.
