Donald W. Marple

Donald William Marple, 88 of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Medilodge of Gaylord.

Born on February 13, 1935, in Charlotte, Michigan, he was the son of Dorance and June (Roberts) Marple.  A 1953 graduate of Charlotte High School, Don was a well-known student and athlete.  His chosen yearbook quote with his senior class photo was “We know him; We know him not”.

After high school, Don served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 82^nd Airborne.  He served in Germany, as a guard at the wall separating East and West Berlin. 

Don’s varied career included work at the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors, in sales at Eaton Stamping, as a Realtor with Century 21 in Lansing, as the owner of a party store in Orleans, and with Washington Inventory Service at Walmart stores around Michigan. 

Don enjoyed his farm, where he had horses, turkeys and goats.  He was an avid reader who also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and coaching football.  Throughout his life, he enjoyed painting, working primarily with oils, and more recently, pencil and chalk.  In Gaylord, he was a member of Gaylord First United Methodist Church where he enjoyed being an usher.

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia, whom he married on November 8, 1990 in Lansing; his children, Cameron (Marcie) Marple of Lebanon, TN, Tracy (Randy) Davidson of Gaylord, and Kristine Parsons of Walled Lake; step daughters, Colleen (Michael) Vallad-Hix of Houghton, Kimberly (Bill) Gregus of Flint and Sue Roberts of Gaylord; seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.  Also surviving are his siblings, Elaine (Norman) Milbourn and Joyce (Bill) Scott of Charlotte, and Kenneth (Patricia) Marple of Henderson, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Marple; a stepson, Gerald Michael Vallad, and a step grandson. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 18, 2023, at Gaylord First United Methodist Church, where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to the church.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/donald-marple.