Donald Partlow Obituary

Donald Wesley Partlow (AKA The Spoon Man, Pappy), 92, of Delaware, OH passed away Tuesday, July 1st 2025 in Delaware, OH. Don was born January 27th, 1933 to Raymond Partlow and Eva Marie Koch in Columbus, OH at his Aunt Kathryn's house in the Hilltop.
He graduated from Dublin High School in 1951. Don married his high school sweetheart Joy Graham on June 29th,1952 in Linworth, OH. He worked as a PBX installer for Ohio Bell Company for 30 years. He was a long time member of the CWA Union and maintained many friendships from it. After retiring from Ohio Bell he continued to work for several years for Digital Designs.
Don was a member of the former Stratford St Paul's United Methodist Church. He was a long-time member of Avery Lodge #493, Amvets Post #102, Moose Lodge #1167, Eagles Lodge #376, and Columbus + Zanesville Telephone Pioneers. He was a Boy Scout Leader of Troop # 156 at the Linworth U.M.C.
He served in the Ohio National Guard for 12 years. He was once deployed to stop the 1952 Halloween Riot at Ohio State Penitentiary.
Don was known to many as The Spoon Man because he was quick to pull out a pair of spoons and play them whenever the music was right. He even accompanied the Columbus Symphony Orchestra with his spoon playing.
He enjoyed taking long drives in the woods with his wife to admire the wildlife, and everyone who knew him knew he loved playing slots. At age 65 he took up playing golf and was in the Moose and Eagles golf leagues.
He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Joy L. Partlow; Children, Donald Zane Partlow, Jalana Tincher, Michelle (Van) Nguyen, Melody (Tom) Henry. Sister; Barbara (Ed) Winkler; 9 Grandchildren; 13 Great grandchildren; 1 Great-great grandchild; 11 nieces and nephews
He was proceeded in death by his mother Marie, father Raymond, step-mother Eleanor; sisters Norma and Linda; son Lanny, and son-in-law Donnie.
Celebration of Life will be July 26th, 2025 from 2-6pm (with a service being held at 3pm) at the Eagles Lodge #376 at 127 E. William St Delaware, OH 43015.
The family suggests that donations be made to Tranquility Hospice Memorial Foundation 1949 State Route 37 West Suite C Delaware, OH or M.A.S.H. 562 Pennsylvania Ave Delaware, OH 43015.