Donald A. Casavant

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Donald A. Casavant, 101, passed away on July 12, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Ormond Beach, Fla.

Don was born in Waterville on Oct. 28, 1923, the son of Dominique and Estelle (Daviau) Casavant. He graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1942, and soon joined the U.S. Army Air Corp, being in the first class of Aviation Cadets stationed at Colby College. He later took flight courses at Glider School in Artesia, N.M., training also at the University of Cincinnati. His overseas assignment was in the China Burma India theater.

Upon release from the military, he attended watch making school at the Massachusetts Trade School in Boston, Mass., followed by training as an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic at the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla. He then worked for several years at Bendix Aviation in Teterboro, N.J. After returning to Maine, Don made a career as a sales representative with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, from which he would eventually retire.

He married his wife, Theresa Poulin of Winslow, in 1952. Don and Theresa did an extensive amount of traveling and enjoyed their winter home at Ormond Beach, Fla. for many years, eventually making Ormond their permanent residence.

Don knew 17 U.S. Presidents during his lifetime and visited 26 different countries. As a child of the Great Depression, he was resilient and resourceful. He was a self-taught artist, musician, poet, wood carver, and above all, an aviator.

Don is survived by his children, Dan Casavant and Pam of Waterville, Monique Kelley and Patrick of Ormond Beach, Fla.; grandchildren Megan, Jake, Tom and Ethan; great-grandchildren, Lily, Gemma, Brandon, Dusty, Anna, Sophie and Sawyer; a special niece, Kathleen Steinmiller and several nieces and nephews.

Don was predeceased by his wife; sister, Jeanette Hachey and brother, George.

Arrangements are being made privately at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Ormond Beach, Fla. At Don’s request there will be no services. A private memorial will take place at a later date.