Don S. Havens
Donald Scott Havens, 74, passed away on December 13, 2019, from complications of Crohn’s disease. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.
Don was born July 29, 1945, in Elwood, Indiana to Alfred and Dorothy (Traylor) Havens. He grew up in Tipton and his leadership skills started early in life, serving as Tipton High School’s class President all four years. He graduated from Tipton High School in 1963 and furthered his education at Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana. In 1965, Don became a reporter and editor for the Kokomo Morning Times, a position he held until 1967. A Vietnam Veteran, he was called into service for the United States Army in 1967. He was honorably discharged in 1969. His training and experiences in the military helped prepare him for the next four decades of leadership roles in the public and private sectors.
Don returned to Tipton and was a manager with Anixter Brothers, a wire manufacturing company in Tipton. In 1975, Don started Havens Realty, where he was at the helm for over 45 years, continuing to grow the business and further strengthen the local community. He was a founding member of the Tipton Economic Development Corporation, a group created to help strengthen and develop the Tipton business community.
Don spent a total of 20 years in elected office, never losing an election. He served 12 years on the Tipton Utility Service Board. His service record over 12 years as a member of the Tipton City Council solidified his reputation as an outstanding civic leader.
Later in his career, Don was elected to two consecutive 4-year terms as Mayor of Tipton, first in 2011 and again in 2015. His experience and leadership as mayor helped guide the continued success of Tipton’s economy. For example, working together with fellow city and state leaders, Mayor Don attracted Chrysler FCA to bring operations to Tipton County, a massive investment in the county. Also, Mayor Don was instrumental in the creation of the Tipton Main Street Association, a volunteer organization working to beautify and build a better city. Recent projects have focused on the beautification of the downtown area, with landscaping and flower planting transforming downtown Tipton into a vibrant and exciting center for public gatherings. The Alley project, for example, revamped an empty downtown alley into an engaging gathering place for the residents and visitors to come and enjoy the heart of the city. Additionally, a new irrigation system at the municipal golf course, a splash pad, and major renovations to the public pool have enhanced the city assets and improved Tipton’s “Quality of Place” for the community.
For over four decades, Don consistently served Tipton’s best interests, as a member of the Utility Service Board and the City Council, and as Mayor. His career record in government proved him to be an honest, ethical, and transformative public servant who positively impacted the citizens of Tipton.
Don loved his family, friends, community and country. Don’s pastime pleasures included golf, 6-handed hearts, fishing on the French River, reading books, the daily WSJ, watching the news and kibitzing. Don was known for his eloquent writing and speaking abilities, able to clearly and persuasively express himself while remaining polite and respectful.
Don is survived by his wife, Tami Noble Brown; children Alison Havens and Josh (Marisa) Havens; stepsons Robert (Tiare) Brown and Patrick Brown; grandchildren Preston, Levi and Maxwell Allen and Jack Brown, (two more grandchildren are expected in February 2020). Don has two older sisters who survive, Marilyn (Jim) Shaver, Nancy (Richard) Covely; and a niece and three nephews. Don is also survived by his first wife, Lisa Havens (Will Case).
The family would like to thank the staff at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center for their excellent care during Don’s final days.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, at West Street Christian Church, 132 N. West Street, Tipton, with Rev Linda McKiernan-Allen officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, at West Street with an Elk’s memorial service at 8:00 p.m. and also from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the funeral. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the Havens family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY, 10017; West Street Christian Church, 132 N. West Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072; IU Health Foundation – Tipton Hospital, 1000 South Main Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072; or the Encore Lifestyle & Enrichment Center through the Tipton County Foundation. Please mail to the Tipton County Foundation at P.O. Box 412, Tipton, Indiana, 46072. Please write “Don Havens-Encore” on the memo line so that the Encore Center will receive a matching donation from the Tipton County Foundation.
We have lost a great man. I will miss him very much. Love to his wonderful family. You are all in my thoughts at this sad moment.
I remember Donnie from the days of our working together on the Tipton City Council, many years ago. Such a great guy and a great friend. So sorry to hear this news.
My deepest sympathy to all the family. I will always cherish our fishing times together in Canada…………………
Blair, so many stories were told of our time together at Lochaven. How lucky we all were to spend so many happy vacations together.
Our condolences to his family at this very sad time.
Don fought long and hard, and my sympathy and condolences go out to the family
I am so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. I have known him for many years along with attending school together. I was a close friend and co-worker of his Mother Dorothy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. ❤️
We were so proud to know Don. He was a great man and such a asset to the community of Tipton. He will be missed. May God Bless all of you. Lester and Marcia Rood
I’m happy to have known Don for many years and so sorry to hear of his passing. This is a sad day for our community, he will be greatly missed. My sympathy and condolences go out to the family.
No words.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family. He will be missed
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏
So very sorry for your loss, prayers for family and friends.
We are so very sad that Don has left us and our prayers are with him and his family. We were fortunate to have known him his whole life and he was a good friend. He is with Jesus now
Our prayers are with Don & his family. He was a good friend. We will all miss him. He is with Jesus now.
Don was a good man, a good Mayor and a good friend. I will miss his humor and great smile. Rest In Peace buddy. Dave Berkemeier
I worked for Don in !978 and he was a joy to work for. Later in the years since I had the pleasure of playing many many rounds of golf with him, had a few white russians with him and considered him a friend. He was always upbeat and funny but stubborn in a debate. That I loved about him! We will miss you Uncle Double!!!
i sorry for your loss. we will miss a great man.
So sorry for your loss, Donnie was a good friend to my dad and our family for all these years, he will be missed.
The Eliserio Family
Prayers for the family. Don will be missed by many.
My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
I have known Don since his service on the City Council. He loved his community and served it well. My prayers are with his family.
Dear Marisa and Josh
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Great man he was!! Miss his sense of humor and his beautiful smile. RIP DON. Praying for family and friends. Ty for all you done for all of us!!
My condolences to you and your family Tami, may your memories help ease your pain. Don was a good man and loved by many.
I was a high school friend of Donny Havens. Although I have not seen him for years I am not surprised at all he accomplished throughout his life. He was definitely a leader in the class of 1963 who was well liked because of his easy going personality. He was a true gentleman even at a young age. My condolences and prayers for his family and friends who I know will miss him terribly. The thing I read in the comments that thrilled me the most was “he is with Jesus.” That means I will see him again 🙌.
Dear Tami and Family, I don’t know what to say…I am so sorry for your loss. You and Don have had many good years together and created wonderful memories. May God bless you with strength, peace, and love during this difficult time. I am always here for you! Love, Tina
Don & I send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to Nancy and the family.
We are friends of Don’s sister, Nancy Olsen Covely,
We only know this well loved and admired brother and community servant thru his sister, Nancy but can certainly appreciate and understand the loss to family and community.
I will miss Don.. He was always so kind. Please accept my prayers and condolences.. Sincerely, Susie Stevens
I am so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. He was a friend since 73′ when I was hired in Tipton Utilities. My 1st wife, Pat sold real
estate for Don and when she died, Don was so nice to me and the boys. He was a fair man on the Utility Board and was a great
mayor. My love and prayers to Tami and the family.
My sincere condolences.
I was sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I am a friend of his sister, Nancy Covely in Eugene, OR. She spoke often of her brother and what a special man he was. I love the picture of the flag at half mast. What a honor for his memory.
Lois Oleson
Sorry for your loss, Tami. Prayers for you and all the family.
Sorry to hear about Don’s passing.
I am very sorry for your loss. Don was a great mentor, friend and boss. He accomplished so much for the community.
Don a childhood friend, always a leader in our class of 63 and rock in our community. Always had a heart winning smile and a vision to make things better. He will be missed by many.
I am saddened by Don’s passing but grateful to have known him. My condolences to his family.
Tami, my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.