Mr. Donald J. Lux

Mr. Donald J. Lux, age 90 of Sterling Heights was born July 10, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. He died August 17, 2010 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Mr. Lux retired from Utica Community Schools in 1985 as a head custodian and has been a member of St. Michael Catholic Community since it originated. He is a WWII Army Veteran. Beloved husband of Irma A. (Persyn) Lux, loving father of William, Alan (Esther), Thomas (Linda), Matthew (Judy), Barbara (Dennis) Anderson, and Laura Hinchey. Also survived by 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation 2-8p.m. Thurs. at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd. (S. of 18 Mi. Rd.) Clinton Township. and in-state 9a.m. Friday until time of funeral mass 9:30a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights. Rev. Michael Quaine will officiate. Interment at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery, Clinton Township.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Mr. Donald J. Lux who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Donald was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Donald knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Donald was born on July 10, 1920 at home in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were George and Nettie Lux. Donald was also raised in Detroit, Michigan. Even as a youngster, Donald learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

Donald was raised with two siblings. He had two brothers George and Ray. Donald had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Donald, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Donald took part in stick ball. In his spare time he liked comic books and baseball cards. Donald's memorable achievements included learning to drive at the age of 12.

An objective and conscientious individual, Donald reveled in the security of his family. On November 10, 1951 Donald exchanged wedding vows with Irma Alice Persyn at the St. John Berchman in Detroit, Michigan.

Donald was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Donald would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Donald was blessed with six children, four sons, Bill, Al, Tom, and Matt, and two daughters, Barb and Laura. They were also blessed with 13 grandchildren, Linda, Mary, Maddy, Steven, Melissa, Martha, Donald, Tom, Ann Marie, Mike, Jason, Katie, Jennifer and 10 great grandchildren Alan Jeannie, Eric, Paige, Jessica, Katelyn, James, Aiden, Makenzie, and Maya.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Donald was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Donald was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Donald upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a custodian. He was employed for 13 years by the Utica Community Schools. Donald was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Donald was a veteran of the U. S. Army. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the 14th Armored Infantry Battalion from 1944 to 1946. Donald served during WWII. He was a Private. He received several awards, including a EAME Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal World War II.

Donald approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was woodworking. Donald was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Donald to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, football, golf.

Faith was important to Donald. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Community in sterling Heights for over 30 years.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Donald used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Donald had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations were camping in Michigan.

Donald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Donald’s favorites was Duke, a Beagle. They were best friends for 10 years.

When Donald’s retirement finally arrived in 1985, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to staying in Michigan. In retirement, he found new pleasure in woodworking. In many ways, Donald loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Donald passed away on August 17, 2010 at Medilodge in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He passed away in his sleep. He is survived by his wife, Irma A. (Persyn), loving father of William, Alan (Esther), Thomas (Linda), Matthew (Judy), Barbara (Dennis) Anderson, and Laura Hinchey. Grandfather of Linda, Mary, Maddy, Steven, Melissa, Martha, Donald, Tom, Ann Marie, Mike, Jason, Katie, Jennifer and great grandchildren Alan Jeannie, Eric, Paige, Jessica, Katelyn, James, Aiden, Makenzie, and Maya. Visitation will be 2-8:00PM Thursday at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd. (S. Of 18 Mi. Rd.) Clinton Township. And in-state 9:00AM Friday until time of funeral mass 9:30AM at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Rd., Sterling Hts. Rev. Michael Quaine will officiate. Donald will be laid to rest in Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township, Michigan.

All who knew him would agree that Donald was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Mr. Donald J. Lux did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.