Donald Gilbert Bristol, 81, of LaPorte, died at 3:22 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born April 30, 1933, in South Bend, IN, to George and Elnora (Sharp) Bristol.
Donald was a Central High School, South Bend, graduate. He worked at Bendix for five years and owned and operated Cities Service (Citgo) Gas Station for 18 years. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a parts distributor. Donald was a past member of Indiana Christian Church and Moose Lodge 492, LaPorte. Donald was an avid fisherman and animal lover. He enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, gardening and woodworking. He also enjoyed building race cars and sponsoring numerous drivers. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame, the Cubs and the Bears. He will be remembered as a person who was always the first to lend a hand and had a wonderful sense of humor.
On June 28, 1952, at Indiana Christian Church, South Bend, he married the love of his life, Mary (Reece) Bristol, who survives.
Also surviving are two children, Judy (Chris) Comeno of Westville, IN, and Robert Bristol of Colchester, CT; five grandchildren, Chandra, Donnie, Jamie, Brandon and Amber; two step-grandchildren, Jeff and Jason; nine great-grandchildren, Ian, Gavin, Laurissa, Alexus, Hanna, Izaiah, Donnovin, Lindsay, and Aaliyah; mother-in-law, Pauline Reece; and best friend, John Hoos.
Preceding him in death were his parents; infant son, George Donald Bristol; and daughter-in-law, Brenda Bristol.
A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor David Howe officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 23, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.