Donald John Thaw (8/17/1946-9/8/2008)

Donald J. "Red Dog" Thaw

Marion-Donald J. "Red Dog" Thaw, 62, Marion, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Donald was born Aug. 17, 1946, in Marion, to the late John and Valeska Thaw. He graduated from Marion Catholic High School in 1964.

Donald is survived by his wife, Connie R. (Hazlett) Thaw; children John and Allison Thaw, Lisa Thaw (Jason), Dawn Boyd, Julie Sanner, Lisa Arthur, Lori and Tim Gafkjen, Kari Sanner, Paul Sergent (Stacie) and May and Mark Garrett. He is also survived by siblings, Sue (Thaw) and Larry Brown, Judy (Thaw) and Dr. John Rowe and Cathy (Thaw) and Dr. Michael Dickerson, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by nephew Jonathan Rowe, and grandchildren Aydan and Evan Boyd.

Red Dog married his soul mate and "best pal" in 1998. Connie and Red Dog were blessed with a loving partnership which they both cherished deeply. Red Dog was not only an amazing husband; he was an amzing father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Red Dog was always so thoughtful for everyone's feelings and always put everyone before himself. Red Dog is known for "telling it how it was" but never had an enemy. All who met him adored him. His wise cracks and smiles would help light up a room. Red Dog was kind and fun no matter how he was feeling.

Anyone who knew Red Dog knew his passion for The Ohio State Buckeyes and New York Giants. Red Dog also loved sprint car races. Anyone who ever went with him and experienced the fun knows-Right Rowdy?

Red Dog was a member of American Legion 162, AmVets 620 and VFW 3313

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at Boyd Funeral Home with the Rev. Russell Howard officiating. Burial will be held at some later date. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Donald Thaw family.