Donald Ray Nolan Sr.

Donald Ray Nolan Sr., affectionately known to his friends as "Don" and adored by his family as "Pawpaw," passed away peacefully in his home in Grove City, Ohio, on June 20, 2026, surrounded by the loved ones he dedicated his life to protecting. He was 64 years old.

Don was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 29, 1961. He grew up in Columbus and attended Westland High School. A talented craftsman, Don spent his life working as a carpenter and possessed a natural skill for working on cars.

Don was a man of strong faith who loved God, and he lived life with an outspoken, fun-loving spirit. He was an avid fisherman and gardener, and he deeply enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—listening to classic rock and country music, watching Westerns, and passionately cheering on Ohio State and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also possessed a deeply generous heart and was a long-time supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause that was incredibly dear to him. Above all else, Don was a fiercely protective man who loved his family deeply. He was an incredibly proud father and grandfather.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Meyers (Arms); his father, Lester Meyers; and his brother, Bobby Nolan III.

He leaves behind a vast and loving legacy. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Alicia Nolan. He was the proud father of Mareesha McLaughlin (Robert Peyton Jr.), Chandra McLaughlin (Bernard Ofori), Donald Nolan Jr. (Ashlee Nolan), Joel Nolan, Nathan Nolan, Travis Nolan, Sarah Nolan, and Thomas Nolan (Perla Aguirre).

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Yusuf McLaughlin, Gerard Drey III , Dakari McLaughlin, Avery Nolan, Zoey Cox, Nadia Ofori, Addison Nolan, Nathan Nolan Jr., Ayla Nolan, Zarra Nolan, Nova Nolan, Thomas Nolan Jr., Asher Nolan, Ziyad Nolan, and Jacquelyn Nolan; as well as his brother and sisters: Michael Nolan, Marilu Meyers-McCain, Brenda Anderson (Nolan), Nancy Arthurs (Nolan), and Leslie Hinkle (Meyers); as well as many other extended family members and dear friends who meant the world to him.

A church service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1003 W. Town St., Columbus, OH 43222.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Don’s honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, continuing the support for a cause he held so close to his heart.