Donald Roger Maylone
1926 - 2023
Donald Roger Maylone
1926 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1926
DIED
2023
Donald Maylone Obituary
Donald Roger Maylone, “Gramps”, age 97 , former resident of Williamsburg, MI, died at the Michigan Veteran Homes in Chesterfield Twp., MI, peacefully on February 11th.
Don was born on February 4, 1926, to Willis and Sophie Maylone in Minnesota. He proudly served his country in WWII with the infantry, 13th Armored Division “Black Cat” during the European campaign of 1945.
He married Barbara “Bobbie” Craig at St. James in Ferndale, MI on August 28, 1945 and they raised 5 children, Kathy, Sheeran, Rick, Scott and Tim and mentored many others as they raised their children.
Gramps will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend. He was a skilled craftsman working as a tool and die maker and retired from his own business. He was an avid jokester and after retirement, he partially fulfilled his childhood desire, to run away with the circus. He attended Clown Camp in Wisconsin. Don was a founding member of Cherry Capital Clowns. He was a strong supporter of the Butterfly House and Bug Zoo in Williamsburg. He was a very loving and humble man willing to share himself with all he met and he will be missed by many.
Before moving back downstate, Gramps was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids.
Don is survived by; Kathy (tom) Grabowski, Shereen Emmi, Richard Maylone, Tim (Carol) Maylone, 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, son Scott and 2 great great grandchildren and all his siblings.
Funeral services will be held March 4th at 9:30am with Mass at 10 am from St. Kieran Catholic Church, 53600 mound Rd., Shelby Twp, MI with lunch following the mass. Monday, March 6th, Gramps will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI at 10am. A Celebration of his life will be celebrated locally this Spring and will be announced.
Memorials in lieu of flowers made be made to “Pipers Project: This Girl Can”, a charity special to Gramps, as it is associated with his long-time clown partner, Linda Lile.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
5 Entries
Mary Ann Porter
February 17, 2025
I think and remember all the good times we had together. The mini trips and good fun. Going to Mackinaw island together riding in the carriage and seeing all the sites together. He loved his car and showing me places I never knew about. Introducing me to friends and family in the UP and how proud he was of his family. He always tried to be cheerful and loving to all he knew. I look at our pictures together with love and prayers for him. He was loved by all who knew him.
Mary Ann Porter
March 2, 2023
I had met Don through the G.T. Butterfly & Bug zoo. Our friendship grew and we traveled on the Badger across Lake Michigan, to Frankfort, Mackinaw Island, tunnel of trees to Cross Village, and the time at church when his alert went off during the quiet in church we laughed often. I will truly miss him but will remember all the fun we had together. He and your family will be in my prayers. He will be missed but remembered by so many.
Linda L. Lile "Daffie"
February 27, 2023
I have shared so much over the years with Don, my buddy "Gramps" He has always been there for me and my family. We have laughed together, shared our gift of clowning. Gramps was great at ad-libbing when he preformed in our clown skits, making even the other clowns laugh. It´s was hard to keep a straight face around this man. Gramps was always there when I needed a friend or someone just to listen. My heart is sad, but is so much bigger because he was in my life. Gramps has given myself and my family so many wonderful memories. We love you and miss you, but know your at peace. God bless my friend! " Daffie"
Lynita Lindner
February 22, 2023
I have many fond memories of the Maylone Family as we grew up and lived across the street from each other in Williamsburg Mi. Don attended our family gatherings many times as Gramps and again as Santa with Kathy as Mrs. Claus. I'm sad to hear he is gone but rejoicing to know he is with Barbara and Scott again. What a wonderful long life...he brought so much joy to others...my thoughts are with the Maylone Family as they grieve this wonderful man....
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Debbie and Bob Malenock
February 21, 2023
Bob and I will always remember your dad when he came to Florida to visit with Kathy and Tom. He went around the whole time with a big smile on his face because he was so happy to be there. He joined in all activities that he could. He was so much fun to talk to and always willing to stop and have a conversation. I remember him decorating his bike and riding it in the Madi Gras parade. It was a long ride, but he made it to the finish line! Will miss him as he became a part of our park.
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413 S. Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461
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