Donald C. Barnette, Jr.

Donald C. Barnette, Jr., was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Claire and Donald, Sr., attended public schools in both Chicago and Detroit, Michigan, died at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, on June 19, 2008. Donald served in the United States Army Corps of Military Police during World War II. In 1943 he was assigned to a security unit for the Cairo Conference. Egypt remained his base of operations until his return to the U.S. His duties took him throughout the African Middle East Theatre. Special assignments took him to Algeria, Libya, Palestine, Ethopia, Saudi Arabia and to such cites as Istanbul, Rome, Athens and Teheran, areas of the world which remained implanted in his heart.
After Donald completed his military service he did his undergraduate and graduate studies in history at Wayne State University. After graduation he worked for the Masonic Auditorium Concert and the Detroit Civic Light Opera. He opened the Henry and Edsel Ford Auditorium, as Assistant Manager. In 1957 he accepted the position of manager of the Toledo Symphony. Donald always felt that Toledo deserved the best musical talent available and brought many world famous musicians to appear as soloists with the Symphony.
He joined the Toledo Museum of Art in July of 1967 as Concerts Manager. During his tenure there, the museum presented a new series of pops concerts. This actually was added to the Peristyle Series and the Gallery Series.
In June of 1971, he joined the newly merged Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, where he served as manager of the History-Travel-Biography department until his retirement in 1994.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #335, Toledo until his death and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members and old friends in this wonderful group and he was also active in the Torch Club. His interests also include the Toledo Animal Shelter Association.

Donald is survived by his long time companion Robert E. Holder, Jr.; and feline friend, Sebastion.

Memorial Services to celebrate Donald's life will be held Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr St., Toledo, OH 43607. The Newcomer Funeral Home assisted the family with professional services.

Those wishing to make monetary donations in Donald's memory are asked to consider the Toledo Symphony or the Toledo Animal Shelter Association, 640 Wyman St. or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank all of the compassionate doctors and nurses at the Toledo Hospital for their unconditional care and concern.