Don Richard Haven

Don Richard Haven, sailor and educator, passed away on December 28, 2025. He was born in La Porte City, Iowa, in 1947, and graduated from La Porte City (now Union) High School and Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa.

Upon graduation from college in 1969, Haven enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for just over 29 years in both enlisted and officer capacities, retiring in 1998 as a Captain in the Navy Supply Corps. During his naval career, Haven earned master’s degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. (now The Eisenhower School), and was a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College.

After retiring from the Navy, Haven began a second career in education, teaching history and English at Newark High School and Granville High School in Ohio. He retired from teaching in 2012. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an elder.

Haven was preceded in death by his parents, Chief Petty Officer (USN) Delbert L. Haven and Marion E. Haven, and by his only sibling, Nancy Haven Hinderaker.

He is survived by his wife, Rear Admiral Deborah P. Haven; his daughters, Janie (Ralph) Coffey and Nadia (Steve) Williams; two beloved granddaughters; his best friend, Tim Flynn; his best man, Jim Wigge; his best shipmate, Tom Deutsch; and his cherished golf foursome of Jenks, Rice, and Wilken.

A memorial service, celebrating Don's life, will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Granville. Following the service, guests are warmly invited to enjoy light refreshments at the church, then continue on to the reception.

In lieu of flowers, Haven asked that any memorial donations be made to:

The Don James Award (GHS Scholarship)

Donate online: https://gofund.me/31eda4bdf

Donate by check: Make checks payable to The Don James Award and mail to: P.O. Box 81, Park National Bank, Granville, OH 43023

—or—

First Presbyterian Church of Granville

Donate online: https://onrealm.org/granpres/-/form/give/now

Donate by check: Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church of Granville and mail to: 110 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023