Donald T Mefford

Plano, Texas – Donald T. Mefford, 90, of Plano, Texas, and formerly of Auburn, died Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Carrollton, Texas.

He was born in Auburn on February 10, 1929, to Stanley Carr and Margaret (Travis) Mefford. They have preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death was his brother and sister, Gordon A. Mefford and Kathryn E. Smith.

He was a graduate of Wabash College. He obtained a JD degree from Indiana University.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.

Don practiced Law for 65 years. He practiced with Kirk D. Carpenter, W. Erik Weber, Neil R. Blythe and the late William H. Husselman. He operated DeKalb Abstract and Title Company and practiced Banking and Real Estate Law. He was Auburn City Attorney for mayors: C.L. Boger, John L. Foley, Donald M. Allison and Norman N. Rohm. Don served as town Attorney for Ashley, Hamilton and Waterloo. He also served as Attorney for the Auburn School System and then DeKalb County Central United School District for 37 years, also served for a four year term on the DeKalb Central School Board.

He was a member and Past Master of DeKalb Lodge #214 F & AM. Don was a 33rd Degree Mason. He served as Past President of Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Lions Club, DeKalb County Bar Association, and the Woodlawn Cemetery. He served as Director for Auburn Federal Savings and Loan, Citizens National Bank of Columbia City, Community State Bank of Avilla, Hamilton Bank, and Star Financial Bank of Fort Wayne. Don was Treasurer of the DeKalb County Republican Central Committee for 26 years. He was one of the organizers in the 1960’s and served as president for 35 years of the Auburn Foundation. This organization promoted scholarships for DeKalb Students and grew to over 3.5 Million dollars when it was merged into the DeKalb Community Foundation in 2002.

He married Frances “Fran” Russell in August of 1955 in Greensburg, and she survives.

Also surviving are a son and two daughters; Stanley Austin Mefford and his wife, Joni Carper Mefford, of Plano, Texas, Ellen Elizabeth Mefford of Grapevine, Texas, and Mary Courtney McGrath and her husband, David, of Hartland, Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Matthew Austin Mefford, Adrian Melissa Mefford, and Austin James McGrath.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2019, at the Auburn Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Lawrence and Rev. Dr. Robert Craig officiating.

Calling will be 2 hours prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Private family committal service will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn.

Preferred memorials are to Eckhart Public Library or Shriner’s Children’s’ Hospital, 2211 North Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL, 60635.