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Jan. 30, 1950-May 17, 2024

 

On May 17, 2024, Don passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous 7-year battle with lung cancer. As he wished, there will be cremation and no funeral. His family will be honoring him Sunday, May 26, 2024 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post 51 at 403 E. Front St., Buchanan, MI with Masonic Rights and Service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI.
Don was born Jan. 30, 1950 in Jonesville, VA. He moved to Buchanan, MI with family as a teenager. In 1967, he married Ruth Ann Jackson and they had three children.
Don led a humble life. He was a man of integrity, straight forward no nonsense. He would help anyone in need. His family meant everything to him.
Don’s work ethic was unmatched. There was nothing he could not build or repair. He worked sunup to sundown and then some more to provide for his family; from working carpentry side jobs to working double shifts in the foundry at Clark Equipment. He worked seven days a week at Honeywell until he retired in 2015.
Don’s passion was music and carpentry. He always said he felt close to God when he was doing carpentry work.
Don was a member of the St. Joseph Valley #4 Masonic Lodge, Niles, Michigan, where he served as a Master of the lodge two times. He loved his Brothers! Although he was no longer active in the lodge he never missed his dues to support his Brothers! He supported the Shriner’s and helped the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
Don was preceded in life by his mother, Annie Ellen (Fleenor) Lakin; son, David Monroe Fleenor; Brother (best friend), James Hamlin Fleenor; and his beloved aunt (mom), Josephine Havely Fee.
Don leaves behind his beloved sister, Angeline (Sis) Collmer; two daughters, Angela Cole and Ruthie Fleenor; and the Apples of his eye, three grandchildren, Robbyn Cole, Cameron Cole, and Katie Cole.
In lieu of flowers, Donations in his honor can be made to: Shriner’s Children Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 Donations@Shrinernet.org
The family would like to express our heartfelt thank you to Dillian and Agnes with Caring Circle Hospice, Don’s special caretakers, Christina Jacobs and Yami Maluza. Your love and care you provided Don, is forever remembered and we are grateful for you ladies.