Donald “Don” Keith Ackerson

Seneca, SC – Donald “Don” Ackerson, 78, beloved husband of Holly Steichmann Ackerson, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at his residence, with his wife of 50 years at his side.

 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at the Davenport Funeral Home Chapel in West Union. Burial will be in Illinois.

 

In lieu of flowers, Don requested that memorial gifts be designated to cancer research through the Mayo Clinc. Memorials in Don’s name can be made online at www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905.

 

Don was born in Evanston, Illinois, on September 29, 1943, to the late Lester Ackerson and Hazel Albert Ackerson. Don grew up in the Rodgers Park neighborhood of Chicago. He went to Lane Technical High and then on to the University of Illinois. He graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

 

Don served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. He was assigned to a division of the Nuclear Defense Laboratory in Edgewood, Maryland. In 1969 Don returned to Chicago and worked as a production engineer at Teletype where he later joined their sales division. In 1970, Don met Holly and they married on April 24, 1971. Don’s role as Department Head over Product Management for AT&T computer parts began in 1986, and this position later led to an assignment in New Jersey. Don and Holly lived there for six years prior to retiring and making Lake Keowee their home in 1999. Don and Holly were two of the first residents in the Waterford subdivision where Don served on the Homeowners Association Board numerous times. He also enjoyed helping other board members throughout his 22 years of residence in Waterford. Don volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and The Golden Corner Food Bank in Seneca. Don lived a very active retirement, entertaining family and friends at the lake. He enjoyed golf, boating, bowling, grilling and playing card games. He especially enjoyed playing poker with his friends on Monday and Tuesday nights. Traveling was one of Don’s favorite interests. Together Don and Holly visited all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

 

Don was a favorite uncle to five nephews and nieces and six great-nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth Ackerson.

 

Don was truly a gentle soul who loved to help others. He will be watching over all of us from Heaven. God bless you, Don. We are all so blessed to have had you in our lives.