Donald F. Aldrich, Sr.

Donald F. Aldrich, Sr. age 77, died on Monday, July 15, 2019 at St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital surrounded by family and friends.  He was born the oldest of four brothers on June 28, 1942 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Warren and Maxine (Compton) Aldrich.  He graduated Camden High School in San Jose, California and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana State University.  He worked various jobs in California before relocating his family back to Indiana.

On April 16, 1970 he graduated the Indiana State Police Recruit Training Academy and was appointed as a Trooper assigned to the Lafayette post.  He was promoted several times throughout his career ultimately reaching the rank of Major.  He graduated from the 123rd session of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia; a highly coveted assignment for select law enforcement professionals.  Don was an accomplished shooter and competed as a member of the State Police pistol team earning many awards.  He was appointed the rank and title of Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Otis Bowen for his “Humanity in Living, Loyalty in Friendship, Wisdom in Council, and Inspiration in Leadership”.  He served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Central Indiana Law Enforcement Training Council.  He received numerous accolades, honors, and awards throughout his career.  He retired in 2001 with 31 years of distinguished service. Following his retirement he worked security at Hendricks Regional Health, through May of 2016.

As a young man, Don was a member of the Cub Scouts, served on the School Safety Patrol, was in the marching band, and played the accordion.  He had a passion for the accordion and played at many social events and family gatherings throughout his adult life.

Don is survived by his wife Susanne; sons, Donald Jr, Mike, and Scott; daughters, Michelle, Lisa, and Tisha; brothers, Warren and Frank; 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Kenneth.

Memorial gifts have been encouraged to Rock Steady Boxing.

Funeral Services will be held at 1pm, Saturday, July 20, 2019 in the David A. Hall Mortuary, Pittsboro, where friends and family will gather from 11 am until the time of the funeral service. Police Honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the funeral service.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Eric MD Bell, Funeral Director.