Donald Michael Rockey

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Melissa; children Joey, Savannah, and Merissa Rockey; parents Orville and Kathy Rockey; brother Dan Rockey; in-laws Lois (Nick) Bristol; his in-laws Anne (Dave) Nutall; Don was blessed to have his lifetime and closest cousins who God gave as honorary brothers and sisters. Amongst these Don was blessed with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Some people are given a smooth path, but Don was given a mountain—and he climbed it with unmatched grace. At just 15 years old, Don became a childhood cancer survivor, beginning a lifetime marked by battles that would test him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thirty years later, he would face another extraordinary challenge as a heart transplant recipient, followed by years of battling lung and kidney failure. Through every mountain, every setback, and every uncertain day, Don kept climbing.

His earthly body endured more than most could imagine, but his spirit remained strong. The road was incredibly hard, yet Don never gave up. He kept fighting physically, and just as importantly, he kept fighting spiritually. His faith in Jesus Christ remained steadfast through every trial. He didn’t just believe in Jesus when life was good—he trusted Him when life was at its hardest. Because of the incredible strength he showed through every battle, we began calling him “Rockey Strong.” It was more than a nickname—it became a way of describing who Don was. Like Rocky, he kept getting back up. No matter how hard the fight became, Don kept standing, kept moving forward, and never surrendered.

Don had a genuine love for people. His family and close friends were always at the center of his world, and above all, he loved his wife, Melissa, and his three children, Joey, Savannah, and Merissa. They were his heart, his greatest source of love, and a constant reason to keep fighting.

Over the last six years, as Don faced some of his greatest health challenges, his circle of people he loved grew in ways none of them could have expected. Along the way, he formed many newfound friendships with the doctors, nurses, caregivers, therapists, and healthcare workers who walked beside him through his fight. They became more than people caring for him; they became friends, part of his journey, and part of his story. Don had a way of connecting with people, and even in the midst of his own struggles, he could make those around him feel valued and appreciated.

Again and again, Don found the strength to face whatever came next. He fought, and he won. Then another battle would come, and he fought again. Physically and spiritually, he refused to give up.

Don’s life became a testimony of perseverance, courage, faith, and love--a reminder that victory isn’t always found in never being knocked down, but in refusing to stay down. Through every battle, Don never walked alone. He carried his faith with him, and that faith carried him through.

His earthly body may have been broken by years of battles, but his soul remained untouched. And now, after a lifetime of climbing mountains and fighting battles, Don has finally laid his burdens down. His earthly fight is over. He is resting safely, breathing easily, and whole in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

While those who loved him will miss him more than words can express, his legacy will live on—in Melissa, his children, his family, his friends, the healthcare friends who stood beside him, and in everyone whose life he touched.

Rockey Strong to the very end.

A celebration of life service will held 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Resurrection Life, 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, please enter through Doors E and H, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to service. The service will be livestreamed: https://youtube.com/live/6e12uCDunIM?feature=share

The family will also receive relatives and friends from 5-8 p.m. Monday, September 14 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Melissa to assist with final expenses.