Donald K. Derrow, 72, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Saturday, July 25, 2009.

He was born Feb. 27, 1937, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the son of Gerald and Esther Derrow.

After serving for three years in the U.S. Army, he became a member of the Indiana State Council of Carpenters. In 1972, he joined the Fort Wayne Fire Department, where he attained the rank of Captain. After 26 years of service as a firefighter, he retired to Punta Gorda in 1998. Don always said, "Being a firefighter is the greatest job in the world."

Don will be greatly missed by his loving partner, Barbara Porter; sons, Scott and Randall of Indianapolis, Ind.; siblings, Marian, Gerald, Robert, David and Marie; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kristy; and brother, Paul.