CPO Donald Leroy Himes, USN (Ret.), 77, of Mechanicsville, MD, died Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Hospice House of St. Mary's surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 30, 1938 in Porter, PA to the late Boyd Melvin Himes and Anna Mae Bouch.

In 1958, Don proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and served until his retirement and honorable discharge in 1979 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in Avionics. After retirement he worked as a contractor for the Navy, then established C & H Flooring.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting. He enjoyed taking hunting trips to the family home in Pennsylvania and to the local farms with his sons. He taught bow hunter safety and hunting safety to many people. He coached sports team for young people. One of his greatest accomplishments was helping to get schools in Maryland for children with disabilities and special education needs. He observed the lack of services for these children and testified before Maryland State Congress advocating for schools in Maryland, particularly St. Mary's County. His greatest love was for his family, whom he enjoyed spending all his time with. He was a past Worshipful Master at the Thomas J. Shroyck Masonic Lodge in Hollywood, MD.

Don is survived by his children, Susan Bosse of Palatka, FL, Steven Himes (Sherry) of Mechanicsville, MD, Joan Himes of Hollywood, MD, David Himes of Palatka, FL, and Laura Caspar (Joe) of Clements, MD; his sisters, Jean Ludwig and Louise Himes, 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; and his ex-wife and close friend, Virginia A. Himes. He is preceded in death by his parents.

All services will be private. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.