Donald Weslie Paskett

In Loving Memory of Donald “Don” Paskett

Donald “Don” Paskett of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 26, 2026.

Don was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and the patriarch of his family. He was a man whose strength, dedication, strong work ethic, big personality, and even bigger heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and the love he gave them will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Don’s greatest love story began on July 14, 2005, when he met Michelle at Joe’s Grill 4 in Mooresville, Indiana. What began that day grew into a lifelong partnership built on love, laughter, loyalty, and countless adventures. They married on September 3, 2005, and shared 21 years of marriage filled with memories, challenges, and unwavering devotion. Michelle was the love of his life, his best friend, and his greatest adventure. Through every season of life, Don stood beside her, believing in her, encouraging her, and supporting her dreams.

In 2007, Don and Michelle began building their life in Monrovia, Indiana, alongside their children. For the next 11 years, Monrovia was home—the place where they made memories, raised their family, and built the foundation of the life they shared. Those years were filled with family gatherings, laughter, hard work, and watching their children grow and along side with his friend and supporter, Jason Tyo. The life Don helped build there became an important part of his family’s story.

A hardworking man with a strong sense of responsibility, Don spent many years working as a truck driver. After an injury forced him to step away from that career, he demonstrated the determination and resilience that defined him by starting his own power-washing and car-detailing business. He was never one to let life’s challenges keep him from moving forward. His work ethic, independence, and willingness to start again reflected the man he was.

One of Don’s greatest legacies was the work ethic he passed down to his children. He showed them through his actions that hard work, perseverance, and dedication mattered, and that you kept going even when life took an unexpected turn. He led by example, teaching his children the value of working hard, taking responsibility, and doing what needed to be done for the people you love. Those lessons became part of who his children are, and they will continue to carry his example with them throughout their lives. His legacy lives not only in the memories they share, but in the determination and strength he instilled in them.

Don had a lifelong passion for cars, especially fast cars. His love for automobiles was more than a hobby; it was part of who he was. In his more recent years, one car in particular captured his heart: his 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and a six-speed manual transmission. This Challenger was something special to him, bringing together his love for powerful engines, the sound of a HEMI, and the excitement of shifting through the gears himself. It was the kind of car that suited Don perfectly—bold, powerful, and full of personality. His pride in that Challenger and the memories connected to it will forever be part of his story. For those who knew him, seeing a Challenger like his may always bring a reminder of Don and the passion he carried for the cars he loved.

His love for cars extended beyond the garage and car shows and into his favorite movies. Along with classics like Smokey and the Bandit, Don loved the Fast & Furious movies, where fast cars, powerful engines, and the importance of family came together. His passion for the franchise became a special part of his relationship with two of his grandchildren, whom he affectionately nicknamed after characters from the movies. Those nicknames were more than playful references; they were little pieces of his personality and his love for them that made their bond uniquely theirs. It was Don’s way of sharing something he loved with the grandchildren who meant so much to him, creating memories and inside jokes that will carry his spirit forward.

Don also enjoyed being outside and finding satisfaction in the simple things. Whether he was enjoying a beautiful day or mowing the lawn, he found his own kind of happiness in staying busy and taking care of things. One of the sweetest parts of that routine was mowing the lawn for his grandchildren. It was just another way he showed his love—not always through grand gestures, but through the little things he did to make life easier and better for the people he cared about.

And when it came to food, Don knew what he liked: a good steak and potatoes. He enjoyed the simple comfort of a favorite meal, especially when it came with time spent with family. Along with a Mountain Dew in hand and one of his favorite television shows or movies playing, those familiar comforts were part of what made him unmistakably Don.

Above all, Don was the patriarch of his family. He was a steady presence, a source of strength, and a man whose love helped hold his family together. He took pride in his children and cherished his role as a grandfather. He had a big laugh, an even bigger heart, and a gift for making people feel welcome and loved. Whether he was telling stories at the kitchen table, cheering from the sidelines, or sneaking his grandchildren an extra treat, he had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories that would last a lifetime.

Some of Don’s most cherished memories came from the funny, unexpected moments that became family stories told for years. His grandchildren even gave him a nickname of his own. When his oldest grandchild was little, they tried to call him “Paps.” That eventually became “Caps”—but when another granddaughter tried to say “Caps,” it came out as “Craps!” What could have been an ordinary childhood mispronunciation became a hilarious family memory that brought laughter and gave Don yet another name to be remembered by. It was the kind of story that captured the humor and love woven into their family, and one that will undoubtedly bring smiles every time it is retold. After all, some of the best memories are the ones nobody planned.

Don’s grandchildren held an especially precious place in his heart: Kayden, Khaleesi, Katai, Scarlette, Malaysia, Harper, Harrison, Baby Paskett, and Seraphina. Being their grandfather was one of life’s greatest gifts. From mowing the lawn for them to sharing laughs, giving them special nicknames, and sneaking them treats, Don showed his love in ways they will remember long after the little moments have passed. His grandchildren will carry with them the warmth of his presence, the sound of his laughter, and the knowledge that they were deeply loved by their grandpa.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Michelle Paskett, and his beloved friend and supporter, Jason Tyo; his children, Kristina Paskett (Nick), Austin Paskett (Savannah), and Breanna Paskett-Strauser (Jacob), of Monrovia, Indiana, and Kyrsten Paskett-Bradley (Daleth), of Gas City, Indiana; and his grandchildren, Kayden, Khaleesi, Katai, Scarlette, Malaysia, Harper, Harrison, Baby Paskett, and Seraphina.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judith Aultman; his brother, Michael Paskett; his brother-in-law, Joseph Worland; his father-in-law, James Davenport; and Baby Paskett.

Don leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a legacy built on hard work, loyalty, perseverance, and devotion. His life was measured not only by the years he lived, but by the people he loved, the work he accomplished, the dreams he supported, and the memories he created along the way.

His family will miss his laughter, his stories, his love of fast cars and classic movies, his time spent outdoors, and the comfort of knowing he was there. They will miss the man who stood beside his wife, took pride in his children, spoiled his grandchildren, and helped anchor their family. Though his absence leaves a space that can never be filled, his influence will live on in every life he touched.

A husband, a father, a grandfather, a hardworking man, and the patriarch of his family—Don’s legacy will continue through the generations he leaves behind. 

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Monrovia Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Don’s memory by hugging your loved ones a little tighter, making time for the people who matter most, enjoying the simple things in life, and never taking another moment with family for granted.

Forever the patriarch. Forever our protector. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.