Obituary of Don L. Magnuson

Don L. Magnuson, 84, of Jamestown, NY, died June 28, 2011 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Dec. 7, 1926 in Jamestown, the oldest son of the late Leonard A. and Irene Johnson Magnuson. He grew up in Lakewood, NY graduating from Lakewood High School in 1944. Don was inducted February 23, 1945 into the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant in the 869th Ordnance Heavy Automotive Maintenance Company. Stationed in the Philippines, he served as postmaster/banker for his base. He received a Philippines Independence Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He began his career with Chautauqua Hardware as Purchasing Agent. Don was then employed for many years as Secretary/Treasurer of Pearl City Paint & Glass Co. of Jamestown, retiring in 1989. Upon retirement, Don and his wife were also residents of Punta Gorda, FL. Don is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Martha Nisson Magnuson (also of Jamestown) whom he married Sept. 1, 1951; a son, Mark N. Magnuson of Nashville, TN; and daughter, Susan M. Austin, son-in-law W. Mark Austin, and grandson Gregory W. Austin, all of Matthews, NC. Don is also survived by his two sisters, Priscilla M. Hubbard of Charlottesville, VA and Mary Leigh (Dr. Donald C.) Smith of Chester, VA; an aunt, Carolyn M. Pillsbury; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin brothers Neal and Jack Magnuson. Don was active in many civic associations including the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. He was treasurer of the Lakewood High School Alumni Association and administrator for the Lakewood High School Scholarship Fund. He was an active participant with the Jamestown Wood Carvers, specializing in bird carvings. He was a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Jamestown where he served on the Board of Trustees and as an usher. An avid Snipe Class sailor for many years, Don was a former member of the Chautauqua Lake Club. He was a member of the Vikings Lodge, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and Lakewood American Legion Post 1286. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Deacon Cathy Smith will officiate. The family will receive friends for two hours prior to the service, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; the Lee R. Mathewson Scholarship Fund of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown NY 14701; or the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955.