Donald is survived by his daughters, Kathy McKee and Connie (Tim) DeVries; granddaughters, Kathleen Mancher and Caroline DeVries; grandsons, William (Maressa) McKee, III, Daniel DeVries, James DeVries and Michael DeVries; great-grandchildren, Aiden Couwenhoven, Ellis McKee, Brice Potter, Benjamin Vanderwall, Ryder and Adley DeVries, Cameron and Lucas Sickles and Isabella DeVries; great-great-grandson, Noah Collinsworth; brothers, Phillip (Peggy) Brister and Russell (Laura) Brister; as well as numerous cousins, many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife, Katherine (nee) Walker; son, Michael; grandson, Nicholas DeVries; great-granddaughter, Kylie McKee; parents, Roy and Eula Brister; brother, Oscar; and sister-in-law, Ina Brister; sister, Carolyn Brister; and niece, Linda Lukas.
Donald was a retired welder from Blaw-Knox Foundry in East Chicago, IN. He was a phenomenal storyteller, loving to share all his childhood memories and mischief making. Donald grew up during an era where there was no running water or electricity. Regardless of the hard way of life, family, friends and neighbors always came together to help each other out. Due to the homesteading way of life, he learned many skills that are not common today. However, he always found time in-between chores to have fun and enjoy growing up.
Prior to Katherine’s death, they were married for 63 years and raised three children. Donald was a huge NASCAR fan. He loved Ford automobiles and was loyal to the brand for many decades. Donald and his son, Michael, were notorious for igniting high powered fireworks when the rest of the family least expected it. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, puzzles and reading. Donald cherished, most of all, visiting with family and friends.
A Public Visitation for Donald will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. A Funeral Service will follow from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, IN.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Brister family.
