Donald Robert Edward Sr.'s Obituary
Donald Robert Edward, Sr., age 93, of West Olive passed away on June 2, 2017 with his loving wife close beside him.
He was born on March 8, 1924 in Centralia, Washington to George Luke and Flora Jane (Correll) Edward. He lived his entire life on his grandfather’s land, except for the time he spent serving his country in the Army during WWII.
He married Ruth Gean Ahnemiller on June 12, 1948. They had two children, Donald, Jr. and Diane and he built the house they lived in.
Throughout his life, Don worked as a machinist for Welded Products, S. A. Platts, Consumers Energy and Edward’s Machining (his own business). He was a clever, creative and hardworking machinist and man.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven for 69 years and a member of the American Legion, Post #28 for 71 years.
In the late 1950’s, he opened a BMW dealership in Grand Haven and sold, exclusively, Isetta cars and then went on to repairing them! He was the president of the school board for the Pigeon Creek School when it was in operation, then in 2001 he became a board member for the Pigeon Creek Schoolhouse Preservation Society.
Don was an avid sailor throughout his whole life! He was a past member of the Grand River Sailing Club and the Pigeon Cove Marina Club. He was sailing his own sailboat, “Heather Honey” through his 88th year!
Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and James and sister Arvalla. He is survived by his wife Ruth, son Donald Robert (Sally) Edward, Jr. and daughter Diane Edward (Joe) Fahndrich. Also he is survived by his brother-in-law Ernest (Arvalla) Schmiege and many nieces.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven at 11:30 am with a light luncheon to follow. The American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 will do military rites. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 or the Pigeon Creek Schoolhouse Preservation Society, 101 Washington Ave. #114, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
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