Don B. Sakel, 92, Floyds Knobs

Don B. Sakel, 92, of Floyds Knobs, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at The Mansion on Main with his beloved family by his side.

Born on August 10, 1932, to the late Frank and Elsie Sakel of Huntingburg.

Don accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and truly fought the good fight all of his life for his Savior. He was a Gideon and loved the ministry, especially because all 100% of the proceeds went to buy Bibles.

Don was a basketball star in high school and continued his playing days at Evansville College. In 1955, he started a remarkable career in education, that would last for 50 years. He began as a teacher and coach and, in 1961, led the small southwestern Indiana school of Haubstadt to the first and only Sectional Championship in basketball. The Elites defeated the rival Fort Branch Twigs, 14-12, in triple sudden death overtime, becoming one of the greatest tournament games in Indiana High School Basketball History.

In 1965 he became dean of boys at Hazelwood Junior High School in New Albany. The new Floyd Central Jr. & Sr. High School opened in 1967, and Don became the school’s first assistant principal. In 1972, he became principal of the school for the next 22 years. He also served as an administrator until his retirement in 1997. However, Don was not done with the service to Floyd County Schools. He served two terms on the school board from 2000 to 2008. One of the many highlights was welcoming President George W. Bush to New Albany, as president of the school board in 2007.

Don also served nine elected terms and a total of 31 years on the Indiana High School Athletic Association Board—the second longest service in the history of the IHSAA. Highlights include giving the mental attitude award to his own schools’ Mr. Basketball-Pat Graham in 1989 and Mr. Basketball- Damon Bailey in 1990. Don was proud of the athletic, music and theatre accomplishment for the Highlanders, but was most proud of the 4-Star Awards earned by Floyd Central for being one of the top schools in education in Indiana.

Don will always be remembered for the positive impact he made on the youth of Southern Indiana.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Norma (Spengler) Sakel, his grandson: Michael Sakel, his sisters: Marian Clem and Velma Berry and his brother: John Sakel.

Don is survived by his sons: David G. Sakel (Barbara), Dr. Daniel E. Sakel (Sevina), grandchildren: David A. Sakel, Amy Smith, Tori Wake (Ben), Joseph Sakel, great-grandchildren: Gracie, Vincent, Addy, William.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at 11 AM, Friday, September 27th, 2024 at the Market Street Chapel of Naville & Seabrook Funeral Homes (1119 E. Market Street, New Albany) with burial in SCI-Graceland Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2-8 PM Thursday and 9-11 AM Friday before the service.

Memorial contributions may be given for Bibles in Don’s memory to the Gideons International.