Donald McAninch

Donald Frederick McAninch, age 91, of Plainfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, in Plainfield, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 24, 1935, in Beech Grove, Indiana, Don was the son of Dennis Leon McAninch and Genevieve Juliette Rahm McAninch. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to excellence that would define his life for more than nine decades.

On June 4, 1954, Don married the love of his life, Carol Arlene Hoover, in Speedway, Indiana. Together they built a devoted family and shared more than seventy-two years of marriage marked by love, partnership, and unwavering support.

Don is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol Arlene McAninch; his children, Mark Kevin McAninch, Teresa Lynn Fields, Timothy Brian McAninch, and Jeffrey Errol McAninch; his grandchildren, Justin McAninch, Kristin Coble, Jeremy McAninch, Amanda McAninch, Donald McAninch, and Peter McAninch; and his great-grandchildren, Johnathon McAninch, Morgan McAninch, Gabriella McAninch, Tessa McAninch, and Savannah McAninch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis Leon McAninch and Genevieve Juliette Rahm McAninch, and his grandson, Brian McAninch.

A proud graduate of Ben Davis High School's Class of 1953, Don excelled in ROTC, wrestling, journalism, theater, speech, and photography. His talents earned him recognition as a thespian, lead actor in his senior play, and a regional finalist in the Indiana State High School Speech Contest. Throughout his life, he remained committed to learning, completing studies in electrical engineering, business administration, management, labor relations, and arbitration through numerous educational institutions and professional programs. Don earned his private pilot license in 1970 and completed commercial pilot training in 1973.

Don proudly served his country in the Indiana Air National Guard. His leadership abilities were evident even before military service, having led an award-winning ROTC drill team during high school.

Among Don's many passions, photography held a special place. As founder of Don McAninch Photography, he spent more than two decades photographing weddings, families, and commercial subjects. His work appeared in publications and advertising campaigns, and he found great satisfaction in teaching adult photography classes at Broad Ripple High School. Several of his students went on to establish successful photography businesses of their own, a source of lasting pride for him. Don also helped his Uncle Fred and Aunt Dora create a successful, long-running wedding and catering business.

Don's professional career reflected his exceptional versatility and leadership. After working for Lake Central Airlines, Porter Studios, and the United States Postal Service, he began a distinguished career with Public Service Indiana, later Cinergy and Duke Energy. Over the course of his career, he served in management positions involving purchasing, accounting, corporate services, legal affairs, risk management, and labor relations. He became widely respected for his expertise in negotiations, employee relations, and arbitration. In 1982, after completing extensive legal and arbitration training, he was certified by the American Arbitration Association and served as an arbitrator in labor-management disputes.

Throughout his life, Don believed strongly in service to others. He dedicated countless volunteer hours to the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Cub Master, Explorer Post Advisor, District Chairman, and member of the Central Indiana Council Board of Directors. He was active with the American Cancer Society, United Way, and the Optimist Club, helping organize fundraising efforts, support local charities, and create opportunities for young people. Among his many contributions, he helped secure land that became the Plainfield Optimist Club Little League baseball complex, benefiting local families for generations.

Those who knew Don will remember a man of remarkable intelligence, determination, integrity, and generosity. Whether mentoring a young photographer, teaching future leaders, volunteering in the community, or supporting his family, he approached every endeavor with enthusiasm and purpose. His life was defined not only by professional achievement but by his commitment to helping others grow and succeed.

Don leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, hard work, and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all whose lives he touched.

Memorial arrangements are pending and will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hendricks County Humane Society, hendrickshumane.org