Donald (Don) K. Mayou Sr., 96, of Ludlow, died peacefully on February 19, 2026, while residing at the Holyoke Veterans’ Home, where he received outstanding care. Born in Indian Orchard on November 11, 1929, he was the son of the late Henry and Alvina (Peets) Mayou. He lived in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield and was educated in the Springfield Public Schools.

In his youth, he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 40 Bugle and Drum Corps and an outdoor enthusiast who shared many adventures with his lifelong friends. Donald proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Army. He was a member of the 242nd Chemical Supply Detachment in the Canal Zone, Panama, and attained the rank of Corporal. He was a longtime employee of Pioneer Valley Knitting Finishing, where he worked for 25 years; he retired from Monsanto Chemical Company in 1991 after 17 years of service.

Don will be remembered as a talented and well-respected beekeeper for over 40 years. He served as President of the Hampden County Beekeepers Association and was an active member. Don was a devoted father, volunteered faithfully at his parish, made friends wherever he went, enjoyed playing checkers, and loved going to the casino for a day of fun.

A longtime resident of Ludlow, he was a faithful communicant of St. Elizabeth Church and a member of the League of the Sacred Heart. Don was the beloved husband of the late Claire M. (Stebbins) Mayou for 61 years. They shared a love of travel and made annual trips to Aruba for more than 23 years.

He leaves his six children: Donald K. Mayou, Jr. and his wife Abby of Hardwick; Nancy A. Mayou and her partner Ruth Nave of Clayton, NC; David F. Mayou and wife Diane of Belchertown; Diane M. Netherton and her husband Mark of Ludlow; Brian M. Mayou of Anson, ME; and Lisa C. Groth and her husband John of Monson.

He was the adoring “Pepe” to twelve grandchildren — Donald K. Mayou III, Rosa Kramer Frank (Michael), Alissa Kramer Briggs (Kevin), and Ethan Kramer (children of Donald Jr.); Rebekah Clough (Bryan), Sarah Williams (Robert), and Heather Mayou (children of David); Melissa Netherton, Amie Netherton, Crystal Duval (Derrick), and Mark Netherton (Yasmeen) (children of Diane) — cherished “Great Pepe” to Mira, Ezra, Jillian, Bryce, Riley, Kaelyn, Owen, Ellianna, Olyvia, Ayden, Deyton, Josalyn, Taytem, Zachary, Zoe, Lily, Naomi, Paisley, and Lilah; and “Great-Great Pepe” to Kingston.

He also leaves his devoted sister, Shirley Beaudoin of Wilbraham; his sister-in-law, Theresa Sideleau, and her husband, George; along with many loving nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his adored granddaughter, Brittany Mayou; his sisters, Pearl McDonough, Lillian Talbot, Anita Auffrey, and Theresa Masley; and his brother, Francis Mailloux.

Funeral services for Don will be held at Ratell Funeral Home on Monday, March 9th from 4:00-7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Ludlow on Tuesday March 10th beginning 11:00 A.M, followed by burial at Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at 1:00 P.M. Memorial Contributions can be made in his name to: Holyoke Veterans Home 110 Cherry Street Holyoke, MA 01040