Donald “Don” Harold Polston, 87, of Greensburg, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025. He was born on April 12, 1938, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Theodore “Scoop” Polston and Gertrude (White) Polston, and was raised in Greensburg, where he graduated from Greensburg Community High School in 1956.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years before embarking on a 32-year career as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. His service included nine years at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport—then the world’s busiest—and concluded at Indianapolis International Airport, where he retired in 1993 as Assistant Manager of Operations. Over the course of his career, Don earned numerous outstanding performance awards and was widely regarded by coworkers and supervisors as one of the best in his field.
In 1973, Don transferred from Chicago to Indianapolis International Airport. Don and his family initially lived in Greenwood for a year before deciding to return to his hometown of Greensburg, where he became a cornerstone of the community. As chairman of the board of the local YMCA, Don helped transform an organization on the brink of closure—leading a $100,000 fundraising campaign that revitalized the facility and drove rapid membership growth.
His civic service continued as chairman of the board of the Greensburg Community Bread of Life, where he also volunteered for five years. He played a key role in the acquisition of a new facility for the organization. Don was instrumental in establishing the Fall Festival Parade alongside Herb Kohler, assisted the Daily News Cheer Fund for four years, and served for six years as Greensburg’s representative on the Southern Indiana Housing Community Development Corporation. He was a past member of both the Optimist and Rotary Clubs.
Don was a man of energy and resilience. At 77, he participated in an 8K run/walk and won first place in his age group. He was also an avid outdoorsman and hiked the Grand Canyon five times, including a rim-to-rim trek from the North to South Rim.
He was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Greensburg and, above all, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He married the love of his life, Connie Rae Cain, on April 13, 1958. They shared a beautiful life together until Connie’s passing on September 28, 2022.
Don deeply cherished his granddaughters, making regular trips to attend their sporting events, school functions, and summer activities. Though never one for indoor pets, Don grew unexpectedly fond of his daughter’s Yorkshire terrier, Chief Grief—whom he affectionately called “Buddy.” The two became inseparable companions.
Don is survived by his beloved daughter, Jennifer (Fritz) Grief of Carmel, and his two granddaughters, Alexandra and Samantha Grief. He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear wife, Connie.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Frensemeier officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at South Park Cemetery in Greensburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen or the Daily News Cheer Fund.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Majestic Care of Carmel for their compassionate care and support during this time.
Don Polston lived a life defined by service, community, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.