Donald Brian Pletcher

Don was born on August 5, 1939, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Grover Franklin Pletcher and Wilma Marion Elizabeth (Helman) Pletcher. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1957 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. After his initial enlistment, Don attended Muskegon Community College, earning a degree in Business, and later continued his studies at Western Michigan University.

On May 10, 1962, Don married the love of his life, Melanie Anne Boynton, in Allegan, Michigan. Shortly after their marriage, Don re-enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Fire Control Technician aboard DLG-21 USS Gridley and DLG-24 USS Reeves, and completed two tours in Vietnam. During his eleven-year military career, he attended several specialized schools in radar control and electrical studies.

Following his honorable discharge in 1971, Don returned to Muskegon, working at Brunswick Corporation and the family business, Pletcher’s Furniture. In 1976, he began a career with the State of Michigan as a licensed electrician in Coldwater, Michigan, earning journeyman, master electrician, and contractor licenses. He later accepted a position with Honeywell, prompting a move to Williamston, Michigan. Don retired from Honeywell in 2004 but never stopped learning, taking numerous classes at Lansing Community College on a wide range of subjects.

Don was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and American Legion, and he remained close with his Navy buddies throughout his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed motorcycle riding, completing many Motorcycle Conservation Club 100-mile enduro trail rides in the Manistee National Forest, and later sharing his passion for English Observed Trials riding with his children. He loved his grandchildren, tinkering in his pole barn, working on gas engines, welding, attending auctions, and constantly learning through YouTube and brain games. A true yoyo champion, Don owned many yoyos and delighted in mastering new tricks.

Known for his quick wit, big heart, fun-loving nature, dry sense of humor and always being a helping hand and educator to family and friends, Don will be deeply missed.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Melanie Anne Pletcher; his children, Brian Scott Pletcher and his wife Raquel, and Laura Anne Carlson and her husband David; his grandchildren Cameron Pletcher, his wife Jacqueline, and great grandson Ryker Pletcher, Connor Pletcher, Branden Carlson, and Audrey Carlson, sister-in-law Mary Sue Pletcher, brother-in-law Fred Varin, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Wilma Pletcher, and his siblings Phyllis Rogers, Marion Lyon, Carol Ott, James Pletcher, Lynda Varin, and Thomas Pletcher.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026 at the home of Don and Melanie Pletcher.