Donald W. Wilson

DONALD W. WILSONDonald W. Wilson, age 80, of Marshall died Monday, June 19, 2006 at his home in the loving care of his family.Mr. Wilson was born on October 8, 1925 in Marshall to Dale S. and Ellen E. (Palmer) Wilson. He was a life long resident of this area and had resided at his present address at Stuart Lake since the fall of 1946. During WWII, he served in the United States Navy. He was stationed in the South Pacific on the USS Montpelier.On January 2, 1946, he married the former Doris L. Frohm in Marshall at the Brooks United Methodist Church Parsonage.After Don returned from the service he returned to work as a painter at Sherer-Gillette for two years. In 1948, he went work at the Eaton Corporation in Battle Creek sweeping flours. He eventually worked his way up as a tool and die maker, core maker and welder. He retired in 1983, following 35 years of service to the company.Following his retirement he did many odd jobs including painting and working on roofs. Donald was a past member of the Claude E. Hale V.F.W. Post #403. He enjoyed camping and music. He began playing the fiddle in 1990, mainly by ear and even wrote several songs. He was a member of the Michigan Fiddlers Association.Donald was a hard worker and very handy. He disassembled a one room cabin at Cedar Lake and moved to Stuart Lake, building their family home from it.He is survived by his wife, Doris, daughters, Sheryl (Tom) Ringelberg of Marshall and Gloria (Ron) Huff of Battle Creek; sons, Gary (Kathy Wilson of Denton, NC, and Wesley Wilson of Battle Creek; 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson; brother, William Wilson of Marshall. He was preceded in death by a brother, Russell G. Wilson.A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 21 at Ceresco Cemetery with Reverend Larry Fulton officiating. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Good Samaritan Hospice. Assisance with memorials is available at the funeral home. Arrangements are by the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home.