Donald passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at his home in Plainwell.
He was born January 14, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of William and Irene (Pond) Neal. Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. For 37 years he worked at Parker Hannifin until his retirement in 2002.
Don loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and canoeing in Baldwin and Minnesota boundary waters with his family. He liked skiing, bowling and was happiest when playing golf. He was a skilled woodworker and had made many beautiful pieces for his family.
Surviving are his daughters, Terri-Lynne Reeber, Julie (Dan) Andrus, Lora (Lyle) Whisler, Stephanie (Scott) Richardson and Michelle (Christopher) Boulter; grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Alex (Amelia Castaneda) Johnson, Autumn (Gregory) Mckeown, Karrah Richardson, Brennan Richardson and Faith, Sydney, Piper and Payne Boulter; 10 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren and his sister, Peggy Ford.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Neal Donald Reeber and 3 sisters.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
A private family burial of ashes will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
Contributions in memory of Donald may be made to the Susan Mast Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Angelika Kissick
I am so sorry for your and your family loss. You are all in my prayers! May God give you strenght and peace of heart.
Sherry Hanson
I was saddened earlier this year to hear of Dons illness. I worked with Don at Parker Hannifin and his kindness and work ethic reminded me of my own dad. I would often see him ( & Julie) at Prairewood & later Lake Doster golf courses and he always had a big smile to share. My prayers for all of you – I know your dad & grandpa will be missed. May God bring you all peace and comfort that he no longer suffers. and hang on to your memories.
Diane Watson
I’m so very sorry for your family I hope God gives you strength to get through the loss of your dad , sending hugs and prayers
Jana
I am so sorry. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all.
Connie Ray Vanarsdal
So sorry Dan and Julie
Dave & Cindy Richardson
We are so very sad to hear of Don’s passing. Please accept our love and condolences at this most difficult time.
Chris
I am sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I worked with Don at Parker Hannifin. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to share. Don was a pleasure to be around. Prayers of peace to the family. RIP Don.
Charlene Bonnell
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I had the privilege of knowing Don while working at Parker. Enjoyed his easy laugh and kind and gentle demeanor. Praying for the family to feel God’s embrace during this difficult journey.
Barb & Dave Blanchard
Julie, Dan & Family we are so sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a character. What a smile and sense of humor, unforgetable. Playing golf with Don was a blast, Dave & I are so thankful we had that opportunity. Enjoy all those memories. We know it’s hard right now, but one day you’ll be having “beverage” or playing golf and you’ll hear his voice, his laugh or just know what Don would say right then. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll know he’s with you forever.
Sherri Pedersen
I am so sorry for your loss, Terri! I am praying for you and your family ❤️
Diane Long
Lora, Lyle and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My Mom worked with Don at Parker Hannifin. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike, Diane & Molly Long
Barbara Merchant
Bill & Barb Brennan
I will miss that signature smile of his. Worked with Don at Parker. Fond memories of his surprise 50th birthday at work
and the coin flip with engineer Paul Houghtman as to who would pay for a cup of coffee from the pot in the lab area. Don
would page me to come on down as I had never seen him lose a flip of the nickle and later dime if I wasn’t there in the
lab doing some oil particle counts. I was his good luck charm he said. This went on for many years. True story. Back in
our coaching days of women’s softball he coached a Parker team and I with Carl Ritz had an Allegan team that had some
great times and games with Don’s. He would invite us all over to his house for food and refreshments. We never lost to
his teams I might add. Don showed great sportsmanship and class. He was a lot of fun. Also great to work with. I ran into
him at Meijer from time to time. Look forward to seeing him in heaven someday. A long life well lived my old friend.
Linda and Steve
We are so sorry for your loss. We pray that you will find strength and comfort during this sad time. Your Dad/Grandpa was an amazing gentleman and I am sure that he is a beautiful Angel! Watch for your “signs “ and I am confident that he will let you know that everything is ok.
Love, Grandma Pink and Papa Steve
Patty lovely
I’m sitting here Saturday morning drinking coffee and looking at face book. Haven’t looked all week. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved your dad so much. He was a man of many traits. Softball coach, bowling coach, golf coach you name it Don could do it. Bill and I always loved our time with Don. Peace be with the beautiful family he leaves behind.
Barbara, Jim, Jessica and David Andrus
We never got the opportunity to meet Don, but from what Dan told us about him, he was an exceptional and caring man. Our condolences to Don’s family.
Judy Warner Krebs
Don will be missed by many. Lot of great memories from work and golf outings. He always had a smile on his face. RIP my friend. We will see you again in heaven one day.
Geo Johnson
I worked with Don at Parker Hannifin for many years. He was my supervisor for a few years in the QC department. Don was a very good supervisor and everyone like him. He was always very positive and a joy to work with. Don was one of the several supervisors I had at Parker over the years, and, one of the best as well. He rarely got angry but I could always tell when he was because his eyes would start blinking very fast. We used to kid Don about having five daughters. How was he ever going to afford all of those weddings? I’m certain he will be missed by many, but also he will be remembered by many as one of the good guys. We morn the loss of our loved ones, but not as those without hope, for we know we will be reunited again someday. May God comfort the family in this time of sorrow.
Penny Dapser
I worked with Don for 24 years at Parker Hannifin. He was a great co-worker in Engineering and Unit Manager (my boss) for Power Units. He always encouraged me to pursue whatever I felt I could do in my positions at work and was an extremely positive person. He even helped me learn softball so I could play on the team. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I know how much he loved and was proud of all his girls. He will truly be missed.
Debbie DeGraffenreid
Dear cousins Terri, Julie, Lora, Stephanie, and Michelle,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear dad. I remember him, my Uncle Don as a very kind hearted man, who was always fun to be around! From our Christmas gatherings and late night card games to his amazing giant ‘pan sized’ pancakes that he would lovingly prepare for us when we were visiting! I remember your dad was also very kind to my brothers, and he would occasionally ‘borrow’ my youngest brother Todd to take fishing. Uncle Don was not only a very kind uncle; he was also a caring and loving son to his mom, our grandma Neal. In our early days in Arlington Heights, I remember seeing what a hard working and driven man Uncle Don was, as he would work all day, and then study in the evenings, so that he could provide well for his family. Most of all I remember Uncle Don as a fiercely devoted father; he was a wonderful example to me of what a great dad could be. He touched more lives that he probably ever knew. He truly made his mark in many lives. God Bless you girls; please accept my deepest sympathies.
Love,
Debbie
Terri Gott
I too worked with Don at Parker. A very nice man. I. Was saddened to read of his passing. My late husband, Howard Gott, worked with Julie at Brass
. Our sincere sympathy to all of you. May he RIP.
Until we meet again.