Mr. Donald George Labaj, 74, of Lake Wylie, South Carolina passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024, at home.  After being a life-long Berea, Ohio resident, he moved to Lake Wylie in 2023 to be near family and his grandchildren.

Mr. Labaj was born on May 17, 1950, in Berea, OH, to the late George Labaj and Leatha Nellie Keyse Labaj.  He is survived by his wife, Mary Claire Griesmer Labaj; his stepson, David Bayko (Suzanne), of Fort Mill, SC; his grandchildren, Morgan, Marley, and Madeline Bayko; his sisters, Denise Youngblood (Bob) and Judy Hagen (Michael); his nephews, Ryan, Taylor, Zachary Hardy, and Kyle Youngblood; and his three great nephews and two great nieces.

After graduating in 1968 from Berea High School, Don attended Ohio State and Kent State Universities.  For seven years Don served in the Air Force and was stationed in California.  He enjoyed hosting a monthly poker game with his buddies.  As a highly accomplished golfer, having passed the Playing Ability Test (PAT), and with his golfing skills and luck, Don attained 5 holes-in-one.  He was a member of the Cuyahoga North Coast Golf Association for over 30+ years, a member of Grey Hawk Golf Club in Ohio, and a member of the River Hills Country Club in Lake Wylie, SC for the last two years. 

Don was accomplished in many diverse areas.  A true Mr. Fix-It, he could read, research, and teach himself to do anything he put his mind to.  As a parts manager at the Honda dealership in South Euclid, Ohio for over 20+ years, he organized and created an inventory system for the Dealership.  Don also had a strong interest and involvement in genealogy.   As a volunteer at the Berea Historical Society, Don taught people how to conduct genealogic research.  He worked at the Census Bureau, serving an integral role organizing the information received, analyzing and creating new programs.

In addition to his intelligence and dry sense of humor, Don was the most honest and trustworthy person you could ever meet.  He was an old-school gentleman by always opening doors and pulling out your chair to sit on.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 12  from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm for family and friends at River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie, South Carolina.  Join Claire in sharing memories and toasting Don.

There will be a second celebration to be held in the Spring of 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.  

M. L. Ford and Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Mr. Labaj.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.