Donald W. Beeker passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2016 at Spectrum Health of Ludington. His passing was a result of a stroke suffered on the golf course, admittedly his favorite place to be on a perfect fall day. The resulting dementia and loss of sight marked his final months on this earth. Don was born in Tarrytown, New York on August 10, 1928. His father’s position with General Motors required the family to relocate often, resulting in varied school and work experiences for Don and his two siblings. Upon High School graduation he attended the University of Kansas, majoring in Business. Years later he graduated from West Shore Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Education. Early in his adult life, Don settled in the Shawnee Mission area of Kansas City. Over a period of seventeen years he held a number of managerial positions in various private sector industries. He also worked as a volunteer fireman on the side. He married Jean Siebel in 1950. Their son Mike was born in 1951. When Mike was ten months old, Jean contacted polio and died within nine days of her diagnosis. A stricken Don moved back with his parents to provide care for the baby as he worked. In May of 1953 Don was introduced to Dorothy Alexander. She was a nurse in the VA Hospital. A blind date led to marriage and five children. When offered a job as a Plant Supervisor in the unknown, far-away, Ludington, Don and Dorothy packed their six children and pet bird; piled into the station wagon and set out across the prairie. (The dog took the train.) Their first surprise: Michigan is considerably colder than Kansas City. Supporting six children was a challenge. Over the years Don held supervisory positions with a number of local industries; and one season aboard the Car Ferry. His greatest pleasure was enjoying and participating in the activities with his six beautiful, bright and talented children. He remained connected to the young people of the community through coaching Little League and Slow Pitch Softball for many years. Up until his death, he was always greeted as “Coach” by team members from years past. One of Don’s greatest challenges was maintaining his large lawn. In spite of his endless efforts and money spent, he never managed to perfect his grass like the greens of a golf course; but he never gave up trying. His greatest passion remained golf. He never tired of describing his play-by-play action to friends, as well as strangers. Later in life, Don married Carolyn Woodworth. For forty years she patiently listened, with loving forbearance, to those golf stories and old jokes. All while rolling her eyes and smiling. The couple attended Ferris State University together. They maintained their fill-time jobs while driving nights and weekends to Big Rapids. They proudly graduated in 1979 with Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Services, with distinction. In late 1975, Don accepted a position with Mason County Community Mental Health as the first director of Dimensions Unlimited. This was a newly conceived work activity program for developmentally disabled adults. His love and dedication toward his clients became the center of his life. He extended his care beyond retirement, as he took on the position of guardianship for two of them. In addition to his wife Carolyn, Don is survived by his six children: Chris Beeker, Andrew (Sunny) of Costa Mesa, CA, Donald Jr. (Wick) of Bradenton, FL, Mike (Ann) of Danville Illinois, Adam (Patty) of Grandville, MI and Suzanne (David) Smith of Flushing, MI; stepsons: David and Dan Woodworth. Also, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife: Jean; sister: Dorothy Rollert and brother: Willard Beeker. Cremation has taken place. Upon the wishes of Don, there will be no service at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lakeshore Animal Friends, in memory of Molly, his beloved furry “sock puppet”, who napped with him daily for many years.