Donald E. McGee age 91, formerly of Mantua, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at Seashore Gardens, Galloway, New Jersey. Born and raised in Mantua, he resided there until moving to Galloway in 2013. Devoted husband of the late Elsie McGee, he is survived by his son, Donald H. McGee; his sister, Ruth Robinson (nee McGee); and a granddaughter Gina (McGee) Dorcich. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Peggy Zander, who was a loving and attentive niece to both Don and Elsie. Don was predeceased by his sister Gladys Bailey, and brothers Joseph W. McGee and Robert A. McGee. Don served in the Army from 1943 to 1946. He maintained, serviced and repaired weapons. He lost most of his hearing testing machine guns. As a young paper boy, Don delivered newspapers with Elsie riding on the handlebars of his bicycle. As owner of Campbell Irrigation in Woodbury, which he bought from his father Joseph White McGee, he made and sold lawn sprinklers. “We couldn’t make them fast enough,” he’d recall of the beautiful brass watering crafts he’d show at the Philadelphia and New York flower shows. The war shortage of brass brought sales to a halt. Don attended brick laying school through the War Manpower Commission. He laid the brick for the Scout Hall and for his late brother-in-law Walter Rink’s home – of course volunteering his time and talent to do so. Don also attended oil burner school, in Philadelphia. He later opened South Jersey Fuel Company – which he operated out of his home. Always one with a big heart, he would not let his customers be cold. There were many times when customers couldn’t – or wouldn’t pay – that he still made sure their families had fuel. If something was broken, Don would fix it – even long after it would have been prudent to call a professional repairperson. After “retiring” he worked at Shady Lane Nursing Home in Clarksboro as a machinist and maintenance man – doing everything from fixing wheel chairs, televisions and hoyer lifts; to unclogging drains, putting reindeer on the roof for Christmas and talking with residents. Don served as scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troupe 45, of Mantua, New Jersey, for many years. If a scout didn’t have the money for a uniform, he’d buy it for him or encourage the other scouts to help raise the money. He’d checker his yard with holes in which to stand the evergreens – which he’d purchased with his own money - for the Scouts’ Christmas tree sales. Last year he laughed as he shared that during camping trips in West Creek, he’d lead the scouts walking in the woods to tire them when they wouldn’t quiet down at night. Don took lessons with Elsie at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio. He played the trumpet as his wife sang at their house parties. Don was a member of the Bugle Corps in Wenonah. His closest friend was the late Reds Rudderow – with whom he would sit for hours at the McGee kitchen table drinking coffee and laughing. After Elsie’s death, Don greatly enjoyed working on puzzles – hours into the nights – with neighbor and friend Edna Sanderson. But after Elsie, his greatest love and pride was his son, “Donny.” In lieu of donations, the family asks that you spend quality time with, and thank the father, uncle, devoted husband, or other Don-like person in your life. Family and friends are invited to meet for a graveside service 1 p.m., Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Eglington Cemetery, 320 Kings Highway Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com