Donald Vales, 65 / Aug. 26, 1945 — Nov. 15, 2010
Published 9:21 am Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Donald E. Vales, 65, of Niles, passed away at Riveridge Manor in Niles on Nov. 15, 2010.
Donald Vales
The son of Alvin and Maggie (Burns) Vales, he was born Aug. 26, 1945 in Caruthersville, Mo.
After graduating from high school, Donald served his country proudly during two tours in the Vietnam War.
On July 18, 1970 he married Lucille Wallace at a ceremony in Hartford, Mich.
Donnie enjoyed everything about the outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt and camp whenever time and weather would permit. He also enjoyed being out at Plym Park, whether is was behind the counter working or out on the course playing. He was a kind-hearted man with a very sweet disposition who was always a gentleman. Donnie could find humor in just about anything, he was a man who enjoyed life and loved to laugh. Of all Donnie’s hobbies and accomplishments he was most proud of his grandchildren: C.J., Justin, and Brady Fisher and loved spending any available time he had with them.
Preceding Donnie in death are his parents, Alvin and Maggie Vales; his brother, Lester Vales; and a sister, Lilly Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Luci; his sons, Tony Vales of Benton Harbor and Brian Marshall of Hartford, Mich.; his daughter, Jennifer (Michael) Fisher of Mishawaka, Ind.; and his three grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Alvin (Easter) Vales of Bardstown, Ken., Kenny Vales of Coloma, David Vales of Dowagiac; and two sisters Sandy (Dwayne) Reitz of Coloma, Jackie Goodwin of Stevensville; and four brothers-in-law, Tom Smith of Coloma, Bob and (Karen) Wallace of Watervliet, Mark (Vickie) Wallace of Perrysburg, Ohio and Bill (Lisa) Wallace of Granger, Ind.
In keeping with Donnie’s wishes, there will be a memorial service Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 at 1 p.m. with a visitation two hours prior at Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the Disabled Veteran’s Fund or the ALS Foundation.
Condolences, messages and photos may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
