Donald Lewis Grant, 85, passed away Wednesday at the Mennonite Home in Albany, Oregon. He was born in Binghamton, New York to Franklin Lee and Jennie Delia (Baker) Grant.

He grew up in the Binghamton area until moving to Oakland, California. It was there that Don began his passion for baseball.

Don played in Little League and Babe Ruth leagues. It was in Oakland that he was part of the World Champion Babe Ruth team in 1944. He signed a letter of intent with a professional team when he was 17 years of age. While attending Technical High School in Oakland, he would finish his team practice and then throw batting practice for the Oakland Oaks in the Bay Area. He played with the farm league in Canada, and then the St. Louis Cardinals. Then he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He played baseball until an accident that severed several fingers and an injured knee ended his baseball career.

He met and married Norma Louise Burningham on July 2, 1948. Together, they had three children. Don lived in the Hayward, California area until moving to Sweet Home around 1969, settling on a small farm.

Don was an avid inventor who always worked to improve and invent new products. Don was a gentle spirit. He is remembered for his trusting and giving nature, good sense of humor, and work with local youth to promote the game of baseball.

He is survived by: his son, Rodney (Merry) Grant of Vancouver, Washington; daughter, Laura (Tony) Warren of Lebanon; son in-law, Brennan Raebel of Tigard; many grandchildren; one great granddaughter; sister, Betty Herlitz of Salem; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Grant; parents; brothers, Lester and Frank; sister, Ruth; and daughter, Kimberly Raebel.

Viewing will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 11, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweet Home. One hour prior to service, there will be an additional viewing. Burial will follow at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.