Don Andrew Litten, Sr., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family Friday, September 5, 2025.

Don was born in Cheverly, Maryland to Anna Laura and Kelly Litten,Sr. on February 13, 1950. He was the second of four children. His family moved to St. Mary's County in 1956. As a young child and teenager, he lived in the Leonardtown and Loveville area. He had many adventures with his three brothers and close friends growing up.

In 1967, Don joined the Merchant Marines. Later in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He graduated from Parris Island that same year. He served a tour during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970.

On May 29, 1969, Don married Mary Brent Davis and they were married for 56 years. They had a daughter Kelly Ann in July 1969 who passed away as an infant. In April 1971, Don and Mary had a son Don Andrew Litten Jr. Don raised his son with the same values the Marine Corp instilled in him.

Don worked for most of his career as a commercial construction superintendent. Over the years, he oversaw many job projects at various military bases, hospitals and schools, supervising mostly plumbing, heating and mechanical work. Later in his career, Don supervised the construction of many wastewater treatment facilities.

In Don's spare time, he enjoyed building engines. He would build engines for tractors, boats, motorcycles and family vehicles. Most of all, Don enjoyed building fast Ford engines. His engines won many races and championships at dirt tracks, asphalt tracks, and drag strips in the mid-atlantic area. From 1973 through the early 2000's, you could find "Dyno Don" on most Friday and Saturday nights at local racetracks in his trademark flip flops and flowered shirt. He wasn't afraid to take chances and experiment in the name of speed. Don was a fierce competitor who enjoyed the challenge.

Don enjoyed American and world history, travelling and dining out with friends and family. He loved taking day trips to Civil War battlefields and Shenandoah mountain towns. Quick to jump in the car, Don loved driving with no set destination.

Don enjoyed spending time with his three granddaughters. He loved taking his "polecats" out on weekend adventures. He also loved all the cats and dogs he owned throughout his life.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Kelly Carson Litten, Sr. , his mother Anna Laura (Gibson) Litten, his daughter Kelly Ann Litten, his brother Kelly Carson "Kit" Litten, Jr..his father in law John Kell Davis, Sr., mother in law Rebecca Ann (Burroughs) Davis and sister-in-law Becky (Davis) Dean.

He is survived by his wife Mary Brent (Davis) Litten, his son Don Andrew Litten, Jr. and wife Rebecca (Wood) Litten; granddaughters Shelby Ruth (Litten) Frazier and husband Nathan Frazier, Emily Anna Laura Litten and fiance' Brad Nelson, Shannen Davis Litten and great-granddaughter Kelly Nola Frazier. Don is also survived by late brother Kelly "Kit" Litten's wife Teresa (Mirales) Litten, brothers Gary Litten and wife Debbie (Huffman) Litten and Steve Litten and wife Patty (Halstead) Litten, and several nephews and nieces that he loved very much.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 20th at Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad from 1-3pm for those who knew and loved him. To honor Don, flip flops and flowered Hawaiian shirts are welcomed.

Interment will be held at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, Hospice of St. Mary's County or a local animal rescue organization in Don's name.