Donald Dean Edward Faris, 79, of Waterloo, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Don was born on April 28, 1947, in Waterloo, to George and Maxine (Dickinson) Faris. He was a 1965 graduate of Independence High School and went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa and received his associate’s degree from Gates Business School.

Don worked in hospitality at numerous Cedar Valley restaurants and bars. For six years, he and his sister, Barbara, co-owned and operated their family business, Ranchero Saddle and Western Wear. He also worked as an event coordinator and home decorator.

Don was a member of First United Methodist Church in Waterloo and Sunnyside Golf & Country Club. He was a 50-year member of both the Waterloo Elks Club and the Exchange Club of Waterloo. He served on the boards of Friends of Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo Convention Center, Friends of the Grout Museum District, and Family and Children’s Council of Black Hawk County. He also belonged to the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, now known as Grow Cedar Valley.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Don is survived by his son, Blake (Holly) Faris of Eagan, MN; granddaughters, Lily and Alexa Faris; sister, Barbara (Doug) McCalley of Waterloo; niece, Shannon (Dan) Fuller-Michelsen of Waterloo; nephew, Ryan McCalley of Chicago; great-niece, Madison McCalley; and great-nephew, Brayden Fuller.

Visitation: Family to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, Waterloo First United Methodist Church, 614 Randolph St. Waterloo. Burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.