Donn Michael Scotten

Services for Donn Michael Scotten, 74, Indianapolis, will be at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Avenue, on Wednesday, June 7. Calling is from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with a Funeral Mass following visitation. He passed peacefully May 31 at home with his beloved wife, Chris.

Donn was a Professional Land Surveyor and was a founding partner of Certified Engineering before launching his own Indianapolis business, Benchmark Surveying. Most recently, he had served as Director of Surveying for Axis Surveying.

He was a graduate of Purdue University, where he acquired an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology before confronting a difficult job market in the aviation industry of the 1970’s. As the son of a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, Donn returned to Purdue and earned a Schools of Engineering Bachelor’s Degree in Land Surveying.

Donn met Chris at Bishop Chatard High School, where they were high school sweethearts. They were married 51 years, and their union was blessed throughout by the close-knit nature of their extended family.

Dubbed “Uncle Fun” by his nieces and nephews, Donn always turned their extended family gatherings, trips and vacations into adventures with thoughtful and generous contributions designed to make sure everyone had a good time. Not one to spare an expense when family fun was at stake, he once bought a boat during a group vacation to Lake Wawasee after his own boat broke down and emergency repairs were unavailable.

Donn was an avid golfer who enjoyed countless outings with like-minded friends and family. He was especially fond of his regular brothers-in-law-only weekends that featured golf as the highlight of their fun-filled recreation.

One of Donn’s favorite pastimes was tinkering in his garage under the close supervision of his three dogs, Bell, Spike and Quinn. He was meticulous in his work with his precious tools and equipment, and he was a perfectionist when it came to his many projects, sometimes to the dismay of wife Chris, who always gave him a deadline. Donn was never in a hurry; he was certainly blessed with the gift of patience.

Donn could also be counted on to lend a helping hand with others’ projects. From airplanes and cars to home maintenance and all things in between, he loved sharing his knowledge and always had the right tool for the job or knew where to get it.

Donn was born May 25, 1949 to the late Elvan F. and Katherine R. Scotten. Survivors include: spouse Christine Hurrle Scotten; children Eric M. Scotten (Alyssa), Suzanne C. Platt (Andrew), Stephanie A. Gallagher (Colin); grandchildren Oliver, Elliot, Owen, Charlotte, Fletcher, Everett, Graham; siblings Christine Bordenet (Daniel) and Daniel Scotten (Susie).

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Donn Scotten to Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220 or the Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors – ISPLS Foundation General Fund, 3502 Woodview Trace, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or donate online at https://www.ispls.org/donations/donate.asp?id=11180. Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Broad Ripple.