Donald M. Lorton

Donald M. Lorton, age 88, of Cleveland, passed away on Friday November 2, 2018. Don was a First Lieutenant in the U.S.A.F from 1951-1955.  In 1957 Don received his B.S. in Industrial Administration from the University of Illinois.  In 1970, Don received his MBA from Michigan State. In 1957, Don started his career at the Whirlpool Corporation in Fremont, OH.  While working at Whirlpool he worked his way up to Division General Manager living in St. Joseph, MY, Findlay, OH, and Danville, KY.  After leaving Whirlpool in 1979, he became the President of Jenn-Air in Indianapolis, IN.  After spending 12 years at Jenn-Air, Don was appointed President of Magic Chef headquartered in Cleveland, TN.  Don finished his career as Chief Operating Office at Maytag, commuting back and forth to Newton, IA, before retiring in 1995.  Community involvement was an important part of Don’s life.  Don was involved with numerous Chambers of Commerce, Museum Center at 5 Points, numerous hospital boards, church leadership, Rotary International, and YMCA Fundraising.  Don also was active with Cleveland State Foundation, Junior Achievement, United Way, and Bradley County Public Education Foundation.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Lila Lorton.

He is survived by his children Kyle (Carol) Lorton of Maryland, Kevin (Linda) of Virginia, Jeb (Teresa) Lorton of Noblesville, IN, and Nancy (Christi) Lorton of Fort Wayne, IN.  Don has 5 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 5, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Lorton family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.