Donald Samuel, 76
April 19, 1935 — Aug. 8, 2011

Donald E.”Don” Samuel, 76, of DeWitt Ave. in Niles, died at 3:50 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, 2011 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on April 19, 1935 in Buchanan to Roland Prentist and Virginia May (Jerue) Samuel and attended Buchanan Schools. He enlisted in the United States Navy, returning from service as a veteran of the Korean Conflict and lived in Buchanan and Niles all of his life. He was self employed in several enterprises. In retirement, he was a greeter at Walmart.
Don enjoyed fishing in local lakes and rivers. He built and piloted scale model radio controlled airplanes and was a member of the Sky Raiders Radio Control Air Club.
On Dec. 21, 1973 in South Bend, he married the former Sybil L. “Sandy” Powell who preceded him in death on Jan. 30, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Robert Samuel.
Surviving family includes his son, Dale (Theresa) Dandurand of Elkhart; grandchildren, Jennifer (Shawn) Kolonich, Bryan (Christi) Dandurand, Joe (Heidi) Dandurand, Andela Dandurand, and Stephanie (Mark) Norcross; great-grandchildren; his sister, Karen (Ed) Scamehorn of Conn.; Sandy’s brothers and sister, including Doris Eileen (Floyd) Manley who provided Don’s care.
The funeral service for Donald Samuel will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with Pastor Daniel A. Greegor of Sumnerville Bible Baptist Church officiating.
Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the veteran’s flag presentation and “Taps” by an honor guard of the United States Navy.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Contributions in memory of Don may be made to Lakeland Hospice or Lakeland Home Care.