Of Jackson, Michigan met Jesus face to face on Saturday, May 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and under the compassionate care of Henry Ford Hospice after surviving a debilitating stroke 6 weeks ago.
Don was born on November 10, 1932 in Jackson, Michigan to Donald and Helen Deaver. He met his beloved wife early in life, and they were wed on July 17, 1954. Together they built a legacy of faithful love.
Don retired from Walker Manufacturing after many years of service. He also pastored throughout his life at 3 churches. He was a proud army veteran, pastor, mentor, engineer, and leader. Above all else, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Don loved his family deeply and thoroughly planned for holidays (including lengthy Christmas Letters and every anniversary date with Joyce). He had an impressive Christmas Toy display and enjoyed card games, sports (go Green!), puzzles, grilling and hosting family get togethers, and the dangerously entertaining home firework display on Independence Day. Don cared most if people knew Jesus. More than their occupation, status, or anything else, he wanted everyone to know Jesus' Love. He treasured his church family at Ganson Street Baptist Church and led Sunday School until March 2024. He had a way of remembering details about everyone and making everyone feel very cherished.
Don will be dearly missed by his wife of nearly 70 years, Joyce (Jones) Deaver; children, David, Tom (Janet), Roger (Deneen), Jo (Jim) Debruler; grandchildren, Matt (Jan), Lyndsay (Hayden), Kenny (Ester), Jadie (Larry), Elise (Charley), Elana (Nik), Calvin, Kass (Seth), Lyvia (Al); great grandchildren, Pearliana, Lila, Liliana, Joseph, Asher, Sonora, and one baby on the way; sister-in-law, Norma; and many other dear family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Alma and Harry Jones; daughter, Valerie Shelters; brothers and sisters, Bev (Ron) Newton, Harry Jones Jr., Bob (Georgie) Jones, Noel (Maurice) Tavierne; grandsons, Isaiah and Isaac Deaver; and many dear Christian brothers and sisters.
A visitation will be held at Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral home Wednesday May 15, 2024 from 2:00- 4:00 pm, and 6:00- 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be officiated by Pastor Allen Grover at Ganson Street Baptist Church (637 W Ganson St, Jackson, MI 49201) on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior. He will be laid to rest at East Rives Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts can be given to Ganson Street Baptist Church.
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