Don’s life began on Oct. 26, 1942, in Three Rivers, son of Russell W. and Pauline (Nothdruft) Coy.

He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 until 1961.

Don, 67, of Dowagiac, was a firefighter for the City of Dowagiac for 33 years, retiring in 1998. Then he rejoined the fire department in 2007 as a volunteer fireman.

Don was tireless and loved being active. He was employed part-time for many years at High’s Marine in Decatur and at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home in Dowagiac.

He was united in marriage to the former Jeanette (Watson) Spooner on Sept. 26, 1986, in Niles.

Don was a member of the Dowagiac Conservation Club, the American Legion Phoenix Post 309 in Decatur, the 246th Armored Division Association in Dowagiac, the Cass County Parks Board and a former Boy Scout commissioner.

He loved to hunt in the fall and fish in the summer.

Don was involved in his community and enjoyed his many friends.

His greatest joy was his family, which includes: his wife, Jeanette Coy of Dowagiac; his father, Russell Coy of Sebring, Fla.; his children, Don (Ginger) Coy Jr. of McBain, Gayle (Robert) Wilson of Niles, Bill (Lynn) Spooner of Dowagiac and Deb (David) Landman of Ada; grandchildren, Dale Coy, Katrina Mentel, Ginelle Coy, Nicholas Coy, Jessica, Jennifer and Kevin Simpson, Tony Spooner, Regan Landman and Jordin Spooner; great-grandchildren, Dominick and Keagan Mentel and Kevin Simpson Jr.; special grandson, Lee Simpson Jr.; sisters, Linda (Robert) Prell of Battle Creek, Pat (Joe) Rohacs of Dowagiac, Bonnie (Roger) Boyer of Battle Creek and Shirley Etter of Battle Creek; brother, Larry Coy of Battle Creek; special son-in-law, Kenneth Lee (Cindy) Simpson; and several nieces and nephews.

Don passed away on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010. at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.
He is preceded in death by: his mother, Pauline; stepfather, Clint Etter; stepmother, Marge Coy; son, Jeff Spooner; and first wife, Catherine Mary Bellis.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be directed to the Dowagiac Conservation Club Youth Program.  Please sign his memory book and leave a memory of Don at www.yazel-clark.com.