Donald Kevin Ives, electrician and woodcarver, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018 after a long illness. He was born August 26, 1938 in Alliance, Nebraska.

Donald's ancestors date back to 1638 when William Ives established Quinnipiac (now New Haven), Connecticut. Isa Ives fought in the Revolutionary War in Connecticut. Don belonged to the Sons of the American Revolution.

Donald served in the Seabees for 9 years and was stationed in the Pacific Theater. He was also stationed in Antarctica for 13 months as a member of Operation Deep Freeze. He left the Seabees and joined the Air Force where he served in California, Korea, Arizona, and Texas.

While stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas he received his Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Education. He retired from the Air Force in 1978 and moved to Miami, Florida. While there he was a member of the Orange Bowl Committee.

After retiring from the Dade County School Board he moved to Franklin, North Carolina where he was able to do his woodcarving full time. He has won many awards in woodcarving.

He is preceded in death by his father Gene V. Ives and his mother Ruth Mead. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Pamela Spaulding; children, Donald "Kevin" Ives, of Manchester, NH and Kristy L. Ives of Lake Lanier, GA; and three grandchildren, Eric, Aubrey, and Cameron.

No services or memorials are planned. The family invites donations to CarePartners Hospice of Franklin, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734 and that you do something you love with loving memories of Don.