Donald P. "Don" Galliers

Donald P. “Don” Galliers, age 77, of Wauseon, OH, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 4, 2024 at the Toledo Hospital. He was born on May 28, 1947 to Philip and Henrietta (Asbury) Galliers in Chicago, Illinois. Don was an identical twin with his brother Dave. Most would say the two of them represented quite the collective wealth of knowledge and, together, they were always interesting and most certainly entertaining—whether they were demonstrating their exceptionally quick-witted humor; chatting about math concepts, advanced puzzles or the origin of words; or simply enjoying the company of family and others. Don just loved when the entire family would get together.

Don graduated in 1965 from Scott High School and then went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1969. Don met his soulmate, Jan Eulitt, in high school and they married on September 14, 1968. Don worked at The Western Shoe Company for over 30 years, working his way into the role of Vice-President. When the company eventually closed, Don found a management role at Medical Mutual and worked there for another 20 years before retiring in 2017.

While Don was likely considered to be soft-spoken at times, his velvet hammer approach was very effective when it came to parenting and leading others. He was such a thoughtful, caring father and mentor who seemed to have incomparable patience while being the consummate voice of reason. Don was an exceptional husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle.

Throughout the years, Don and Jan were selfless and loving foster parents. Taking in several children ranging from newborn twins to a six-year-old boy, eventually adopting two young sisters and loving each child as if they were their own. Their devoted fostering certainly impacted and reshaped the lives of many children for the better.

Don and Jan also enjoyed many years camping with family and friends. Many weekends were spent at a campground making additional memories with their children and extended friendships. Don had a passion for tending to his yard and passed it on to his sons. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing family games and working on puzzles—usually the tougher, the better. Don was also an avid sports fan and loved to talk about ways to improve the coaching and play of the Toledo Rockets, Detroit Tigers or Detroit Lions.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Jan Galliers; children, Daniel (Angela) Galliers, Shawn (Andrea) Galliers, Donna (Mike) Burdette, and Diana (John) Nunley; grandchildren, Athena (Derek), Hailey (Chris), Helene (Michael), Ashley (Tony), Tyler, Breanna, Jessica, and Zane; one great-grandson on the way; identical twin, Dave Galliers; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Per Don’s wishes, he has requested that there be no service or visitation. There will be a private Celebration of Life for immediate family to honor him at a later date.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider your local Humane Society.

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