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John Purdon Donley

1943 - 2022

John Purdon Donley obituary, 1943-2022, Ann Arbor, MI

BORN

1943

DIED

2022

John Donley Obituary

John Purdon Donley
Ann Arbor, MI
October 2, 1943 - September 21, 2022
John was born in 1941 in Edmore and raised in Big Rapids by his parents Nuel and Ruth Donley. John was proud to be 5th generation in Mecosta County. After high school, John served in the United States Army and was a member of the Army National Guard. He was a graduate of Michigan State University, where he received his degree in Criminal Justice.
During his career, John worked for 24 years as a corrections officer in various facilities in Michigan and was known for his outstanding work ethic. John truly and authentically walked the talk of recovery for nearly 40 years of sobriety and was the president of his AA group.
John spent his free time at local parks, reading, staying fit, and volunteering. He loved history and was well-versed in Michigan history. He will be greatly missed by those he mentored and his family.
John passed away on September 21, 2022. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Wallace. He is survived by his brother Thomas Donley, nephew Jason Donley, great-nephew Blake Donley, niece Wendy Borden and great-nephew Cody Borden.
John will be buried at Highland View Cemetary. Please share condolences and/or a story for the family at [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Big Rapids News on Oct. 31, 2022.

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