Donald M. Agsten, 70, Sandusky, died Monday, September 17, 2018 in Countryside Manor, Fremont. He was born on March 24, 1948 in Sandusky, from the union of the late Malcolm and Frances (Yinger) Agsten, and was a 1966 graduate of Margaretta High School. He was employed by T & T Gulf, Castalia, while in high school, after graduation he worked at RR Donelley, Willard, Center Manufacturing, Bellevue, Van Dresser, Norwalk, Boeing in California.
He was proud that many production records set during his work in factories still stand today. Donny’s curiosity regarding the workings of engines and machines was fostered early on by his grandfather Yinger, who was a mechanic, the farm machinery of his father, and a neighbor who had his own workshop. He was introduced to woodworking by his great uncle Barden Miles, a cabinet maker.
Donny chose to be meticulous and exacting when creating objects from metal or wood. A Pontiac devotee, due to their engineer’s genius that created a vehicle that put “Chevrolet to shame”. Running his 69 Grand Prix, Donny went title-for-title against three mid 60’s Corvette Stingrays in the quarter mile, defeating each one.
He drove away content to know he blew their doors off. Highly skilled in auto mechanics, he precision balanced engines for auto racing and tractor pulls at his parent’s home in Castalia and later at Wind-It Tight, Norwalk. Drawn by his love of music Donny left his job as a machinist and welder at Accufeed, Norwalk, to move to Nashville, TN.
He worked briefly at the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Plant and Food Lion before settling in at Falcon Fabricators, Inc. where he once again applied his skills as a machinist and welder. He seemed to find the most contentment during his sojourn in Nashville. He met music celebrities including Reba McEntire, Charlie Daniels, and Donnie Van Zant of 38 Special, one of his favorite groups.
The music of CCR, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and Ohio-based band, Rasberry jam, and McGuffey Lane were also at the top of his list. His return to Ohio was requested by the owner of Accufeed who wanted him back. He is survived by his daughters, Patricia Agsten-Wildes, Massachusetts, and Mary Frederick, Fremont; sisters, Dorothy Spears, Fremont and Holly Agsten, Sandusky; grandchildren, Everett, Cameron and Haylee Lawson, Faith Clem, and Eric Wildes; three great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and their offspring.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances in 2001 and Malcolm in 2011; and a sister, Winona Agsten in 2009. Donny gathered friends where ever he chose to live or visit. He will be honored with a memorial service to be held at Faith Memorial Church, Sandusky.
In lieu of flowers contributions in his honor may be made to Faith Memorial Church, 1320 E. Strub Rd. , Sandusky, OH 44870, or to Countryside Manor Activities Center, 1863 Countryside Dr., Fremont, OH 43420. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave.
, Sandusky is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.
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