Don Darrow, 83, of Mackinaw City, a World War II veteran and a longtime Mackinaw City businessman, died Sunday, December 27, 2009, at Northern Michigan Re gional Hospital in Petoskey.

He was born in Coopersville March 3, 1926, to Glen and Beatrice (nee Porter) Darrow. He was the oldest of nine children.

Mr. Darrow enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1943 and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged in June 1946.

He married Theresa Viau in October 1947, and they were married for 62 years.

Mr. Darrow was a member of the Mackinaw City Police force in the 1950s for nine years. The Darrows have been longtime business

owners in Mackinaw City, including Darrow’s Family Res - taurant.

Mr. Darrow’s longtime passion was automobiles. He started out as a salesman, and worked at that until he became owner of Dar - row’s Ford Lincoln Mercury in Cheboygan. After selling the dealership in 1974 owing to health concerns, he continued to sell cars for the Bill Hart Ford dealership in Grayling and Soo Motors in Sault Ste. Marie. He was loyal to the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands, friends said.

He was a longtime member of the Lions Club in Mackinaw City and served as its president for several years.

Mr. Darrow is survived by his wife, Theresa; two sons and their families, Randy and Traci Darrow, and Glen and Robin Darrow; six grandchildren and their families, Christopher, Eliz - abeth, Alanna, Eric and Jesse, Glen, and Wesley; three brothers and their families, Gerald and Martha Darrow, Duane and Dorothy Darrow, and Patrick and Suzanne Darrow, and a sister and her family, Nancy and Dick. Also surviving are three sisters-in-law, Lorahdelle, Janet, and Katie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James, Perry, and Richard, and a sister, Glenda.

Services for Mr. Darrow will be held in April.

Nordman Funeral Home of Cheboygan is assisting the family with arrangements.