Donald I. Sheldrick

Donald I. "Don" Sheldrick Newton Township Donald I. "Don" Sheldrick, 73, of Newton Township died peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. He was born in Battle Creek on August 20, 1935 and was the son of Stanley J. and Esther (Irey) Sheldrick. Don served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1958 - 1960. He retired from the Kellogg Company in 1993 after nearly 40 years of faithful service. Don married Jacqueline "Jackie" (Power) Mairs at the First Congregational Church, Battle Creek on July 22, 1972; she survives. He is also survived by his 4 daughters, Wendy Porter of North Carolina, Pamela (Matthew) Pellerito of Portage, Rebecca McMahan of Texas and Teraysa (Wes) Grasty of North Carolina; his son, John (Barbara) Mairs of Battle Creek; 7 grandchildren, Allison, Trevor, Kristen, Cole, Jenny, Casen and Nathan; 2 sisters, Wanda Middaugh and Sandra Faye (Dave) Solack, both of Battle Creek; a cousin, Bill Elliott of Indiana; and many loving nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents. Don was a proud member of the Kellogg 25 year Club and the Grain Millers Union. A true outdoorsman, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting, boating and golf. In his youth, Don was a skilled water skier and even made his own skis. He also enjoyed bowling, traveling, reading and history. Don was a gifted woodworker, making all types of things, including a cabin and multiple bridges displaying the names of his cherished grandchildren. His love of gardening included growing large pumpkins and sunflowers. At the request of the family, they will receive friends 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Don's life will be held 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2009 at the funeral home with Pastor James L. Sparks of the North Avenue Church of God, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifespan Hospice or University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center/ Dr. Harry Erba Research Fund, 1500 East Medical Center Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com