Don was born on April 16, 1939, in Nodaway, Iowa, to Lewis and Doris (Leighton) Cartwright. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Hawkins before being honorably discharged.
On September 16, 1962, Don was united in marriage to Lois Gruenhagen in Davenport.
Don worked at different jobs through the years, but most notably worked for 36 years with the Davenport Police Department, retiring as a sergeant with the detective branch. Don dressed up as Santa Claus for many years, at first for the police department, but that soon spread to the public as well.
He was a member of the Trinity Masonic Lodge 208, Mohassan Grotto, and the Davenport Police Department Retirees. Don enjoyed camping and traveling south with Lois in their RV. Don will always be remembered for his saying, "playing tiddlywinks with manhole covers."
Don is survived by his wife, Lois; a son, Steve (Louise) Cartwright of Denver, Colo.; his favorite granddaughter, Rikkey Rumler; a sister, Linda (Thomas) Behning of Pleasant Valley; a brother, Robert (Sandra) Cartwright of York, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Cartwright.
Don was born on April 16, 1939, in Nodaway, Iowa, to Lewis and Doris (Leighton) Cartwright. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Hawkins before being honorably discharged.
On September 16, 1962, Don was united in marriage to Lois Gruenhagen in Davenport.
Don worked at different jobs through the years, but most notably worked for 36 years with the Davenport Police Department, retiring as a sergeant with the detective branch. Don dressed up as Santa Claus for many years, at first for the police department, but that soon spread to the public as well.
He was a member of the Trinity Masonic Lodge 208, Mohassan Grotto, and the Davenport Police Department Retirees. Don enjoyed camping and traveling south with Lois in their RV. Don will always be remembered for his saying, "playing tiddlywinks with manhole covers."
Don is survived by his wife, Lois; a son, Steve (Louise) Cartwright of Denver, Colo.; his favorite granddaughter, Rikkey Rumler; a sister, Linda (Thomas) Behning of Pleasant Valley; a brother, Robert (Sandra) Cartwright of York, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Cartwright.
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