Donald was born to James and Annetta Deffley on April 9, 1927 in rural Tripp County. He was the Youngest of six children. Donald was raised in Winner attending St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Winner High School in 1948. He served one year in the US Army in Japan following World War II prior to high school graduation.
Donald participated in numerous sports including the high school football and basketball teams. His baseball skill earned him a roster spot for the Winner Pheasant Basin League Baseball team during the early 1950’s.
Following high school he held several jobs while playing semi-pro baseball including: the Coca Cola Bottling Plant, Winner Green House, Schramm Furniture and the Rural Electric Association.
In 1953, he married Carol Ann Jares. They had two children, Daniel and Lori. In 1952 he began a 31+ year career for the US Postal Service delivering mail to Main Street and the east side of Winner. He retired from the postal service in 1983. It is estimated he walked approximately 80,000 miles during his career.
Following retirement from the post office he served as bailiff for the Tripp County Court system for several years. He also drove a van transporting patrons to nearby casinos for a brief period.
Donald was a devout Christian and family man. He took tremendous pride in his family. He was active in his parish serving as an usher, member of the Knights of Columbus and numerous fund raising activities. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
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