Donald Erath

Donald Richard Erath, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 15, 1948, Don was the son of the late Frank S. Erath and Marian J. Erath Oakwood (Henry Oakwood). On June 23, 1973, he married Elizabeth Anne Lettelleir, the love of his life, beginning a marriage and family that would be at the heart of his life's journey.

A proud University of Kentucky graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Don was a lifelong Wildcats basketball fan. NCAA bracket season was a particular favorite. Don helped establish a local UK alumni chapter in Indianapolis. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of SEC collegiate football. During football season, a Saturday highlight for Don was to proudly hang his SEC flags above the garage in full view.

Don devoted more than 40 years to the electrical industry, building a distinguished career in sales as a Vice President with General Electric and Kirby Risk. His career brought his family to Connecticut, Missouri, and Indiana. No matter where life took him, however, Indiana always held a special place in his heart. He never lost his love for home and those beautiful Indiana sunsets, with their unmistakable pink skies. After Liz's passing, Don moved to Carlsbad, California, where he found new beauty in the sunsets along the coast. Some of his happiest moments were spent walking the Oceanside Pier with his family.

Family, travel, music, and the simple pleasures of life brought Don tremendous joy. He loved traveling with Liz and took pride in having visited all 48 contiguous United States. Music was another lifelong passion. Don was an accomplished clarinet, saxophone and piano player, but his ability to whistle a tune may have been his most endearing musical gift.

Don appreciated the classics in music and in life. He loved Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, championed the Great American Songbook, and enjoyed concerts at the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana. At home, some of his favorite moments involved making Sunday gravy and Italian meatballs while his favorite music played in the background. A grilled steak and a gin martini were also among his simple pleasures. And when it came to racing, Don loved the excitement of IndyCar and NASCAR.

Don leaves behind a family who will carry his memory forward: his five children, Amy (Michael) Recinto, Nancy (Jim) Joyce, Bill (Shanna) Erath, Jim Erath, and Donny (Melissa) Erath; his 12 grandchildren, Catherine, Ellie, James, Kyle, Kimmy, Kody, Kayleigh, Braiden, Addison, Braelyn, Kaden, and River; his brother, Robert (Carol) Erath; and his niece, Colleen. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Liz.

Don's life was marked by the places he called home, the music he loved, the experiences he collected, and, above all, the family he shared his life with. His memory will live on in family gatherings, favorite songs, treasured traditions, and the beautiful sunsets that always seemed to call him home.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace (Cemetery Chapel), 9001 Haverstick Road. Graveside committal will follow immediately after Mass.