Donald "Don" Kevin Trueland, Sr., 89, of Cherryville, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Wendover Hospice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Washington Trueland and Arthula Irene Brooks.

Don dedicated four years of his life to serve his country in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Fitch, DMS 25, and visited many Mediterranean ports. After leaving the Navy, he took a job with Reading Railroad as a brakeman. After leaving the railroad, Don did roofing and siding construction work with his brothers, and immensely enjoyed using that opportunity to bond with them. He later worked for and eventually retired from Celanese as a doffer and control room operator in 1994.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings: Violet Collins, Cliff Trueland, Ken Trueland, Virginia Bauman, Ervin Trueland and Janet Stubbins. He is also preceded in death by grandson, Shayne Trueland and great grand daughter, Brittney Fisher.

Don is survived by his wife, of sixty seven years, Ruth Downie Trueland, son, Donald Trueland, Jr. (Katie), daughters, Dorothy "Dottie" Boiter (Jerry), Kathy Woody, Margie Trueland, Donna McGourley (William) and sister, Joy Allen. Also left to cherish his memory are eleven grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren.

In his free time, Don enjoyed many hobbies and outdoor activities. He loved to play golf, go fishing and enjoyed working in his garden where he felt the strongest connection to God. Don was well known for his talent with stained glass and greatly enjoyed his craft and artistry. Don is described by family as a very kind, loving, gentle, humorous and personable man. He loved people and everyone he knew loved him. Don especially loved and cherished his family. His family meant the world to him and he made sure to let them know how much he loved them every passing day. He loved to tell stories about his time in the Navy, his childhood, working on the railroad, or anything he had on his mind at the time. He was a very grateful man and appreciated anything someone did for him and everything in life. Don was a man of faith who loved God and had a desire to grow stronger and closer in his relationship with Him every day of his life. Don was a longtime member of New Camp Creek Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, where he eventually became a deacon. He was faithful to his church and cherished his friendship with his pastor, Reverend Richard Stroupe.

A memorial service for Donald will be held 3:00 PM, Sunday, June 11, 2023 in the chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory with Reverend Richard Stroupe officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at New Camp Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.