Donald R. Brockway

Donald Ray Brockway, 90 of Gaylord, MI. died on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Tendercare Birchwood in Traverse City, MI. He was born on April 6, 1925 in Fife Lake, MI. He was the second son of Hugh and Leota (Harvey) Brockway.

Donald grew up and attended school in Fife Lake. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served his country in the Philippines and New Guinea as an anti-aircraft artillery gun crewman. Donald was proud of his military service and enjoyed sharing his stories.

He settled in Kalamazoo where he met and married Susan VanderMolen in 1948. They had four children during their 20 year marriage. Donald worked for Consumers Power Company as an A-line man for 25 years. In 1964 he transferred to Gaylord and retired from Consumers 1976.

He married his second wife, Dorothy. During their 15 years together they loved to camp and travel, spending summers in Michigan and winters in Texas.

He married his third wife, Virginia, and they shared 22 years in Appleton City, MO. where he enjoyed woodworking and they raised 2 of her grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Harold; his youngest son Joseph; and his three wives.

He is survived by his children, Mary Sue (Dave) Evans and Andrew (Brenda) Brockway of Gaylord, and RoseAnn (Mike) Spearrin of Glendora, CA; grandchildren, Angel (Ken) Hoy, Jerry (Christa) Evans; and great grandchildren, Johnathan, Jaden and Joseph Hoy, Jackson Evans and Morgan Caldwell; a nephew, Hugh (Kathy) Brockway and great nephew, Josh (Kaelee) Brockway.

Also surviving are step children, Jack Hill (and family) of Viola, AR., Liz Sanchez of Clinton, MO; step grandchildren, Jeramie Hill, Jacqueline Hill-Snyder; and 4 step great grandchildren.

Interment with military honors will take place in the spring at Fife Lake Cemetery.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com