Donald O. DeBault

Donald passed away peacefully at his home with his wife, Ann, and children at his side. Donald was the son of Charles and Emma (nee Cain) DeBault, born on the homestead farm in Stewardson, Illinois April 12, 1927. His early days were spent on the farm with his 3 older sisters and 1 younger sister and his 4 older brothers. He earned the nickname Pew on his first day of school. His life growing up was in the Mason, Watson, Effingham area, where most of his family resided. Life was difficult during that time but he and his family remained close to each other.

He enlisted in the United States Navy when he was 17 during World War II and spent 2 years and 1 day in the VJ 14 Utility Squadron and VJ 7-A.

He met his wife Ann Aloyse Emerick in May of 1948 on a blind date. They married on August 14, 1948 and began a journey like no other raising 11 children.

His life moved him to many areas of the United States but mostly in the Central area. They began their family, starting in Battle Creek, Michigan moving to Windsor, Canada, Detroit, Michigan, Coal City, Illinois, Portage, Michigan and currently residing in Port Charlotte, Florida since 1988.

Donald began his work as a Color Matcher, Formulator, Lab manager and technical sales with International Printing Ink and General Printing Ink. He also worked part-time for Wickes and Wolohan Lumber company in Portage. He finally retired from Sun Chemical in Portage, Michigan. He then moved to Port Charlotte, Florida with his wife in 1988. During his retirement from Sun Chemical, he continued to perform as a temporary consultant for a 4 year period.

One of the successful things he did was Graduate from Battle Creek High School after having a family already started of which he spent time doing his studies as the children did in the evenings. It was not unusual for the family to all go to school during the same time.

He was affiliated with Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda, Florida since 1988.

He was involved with the Sacred Heart choir ( of which he was a founding member of the choir), Knights of Columbus Ponce de Leon as a 4th degree and a Grand Knight. He was also involved in the VFW, and the Coal City Area club in Illinois.

He was a charter member of the St Catherine of Siena Parish in Portage, Michigan.

He was an avid Deer, Pheasant and Squirrel Hunter, Bowled on several leagues, as well as had a vegetable garden that was at least an acre in size. He later in life earned the name Bones because his body stature resembled bones. Lovingly known as Papa Bones, Grandpa Bones or just plain Bones.

Surviving is his wife, Ann of 75 years. Children Cathy (Jerry) Munting (Richland, Mi), Donna DeBault (Portage, MI), Susan(Barry) Nelson (Kalamazoo, MI), David (Connie) DeBault (Rolla, MO), James (Joyce Kramer) DeBault (Kalamazoo, MI), Mary Jane DeBault (Kalamazoo, MI), Robert DeBault (Moore Haven Fl), Kenneth (Tonya) DeBault (Portage, MI), John (Deborah) DeBault (Portage MI), and Paul (Kristen) DeBault (Vicksburg, MI). Brother-in-law James Emerick (Port Charlotte, Florida). Twenty-three (23) grandchildren, 27 Great-Grandchildren and 7 Great-great Grandchildren. Many Cousins, Nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Emma Debault, Son Thomas Charles, Granddaughter Stephanie DeBault. Great-granddaughter Taylor Therkildsen, Brothers Doyle, Delmer, and Charles and Sisters Lucy Krumrich , Olive (Babe) Patterson, Opal Rexroad and Norma Daniels.

Cremation has occurred through Johnson-Taylor Funeral & Cremation, Punta Gorda, Florida.

Requiem Mass will be performed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Punta Gorda, Florida at 11 am on March 5th.

A memorial with burial at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers all donations please make to The Sacred Heart St Vincent dePaul Society, Punta Gorda, Florida to benefit those in need.