Don Arthur Doolittle

Don Doolittle, 83, passed away on February 26, 2026 in Viera, Florida. Don was born on April 11, 1942, to Dora and Art Doolittle in Croswell, Michigan. He was raised with his brother Dale in Midland. Growing up, Don treasured spending time with his grandfather, Howard, on his farm.

Don attended Western Michigan University where he met his wife, Karen, in 1964. He served as the president of his fraternity, Phi Sigma Epsilon, at WMU. He graduated with a BS degree in Automotive Engineering Technology.

Don and Karen lived in six states: Michigan, Indiana, California, Tennessee, Ohio and Florida. After graduating from WMU, Don accepted a position as a foreman at Ford Motor Company and climbed the ladder through several different companies until achieving a position as VP of Beverage Management. Ultimately, he pursued his dream of owning his own business and started Tri-Parts Specialties in Detroit, Michigan.

His knowledge of all makes and models of cars was unsurpassed. He owned sports cars, Mustangs and Corvettes and enjoyed hours cruising tree-lined streets listening to music. While watching The Price is Right on TV, there was rarely an automobile for which he couldn't accurately name the price.

Family time was treasured. Don and Karen enjoyed camping and hiking with their children. As the family grew, July family reunions at Lake Chemung Campground in Howell, Michigan kept the family close. In addition to camping, Don delighted in fishing and playing games. He played to win and his grandchildren know him as the Monopoly King.

Don is survived by his wife (Karen), three children: Marc (Farrah), Kim (Jim Troost), Travis (Christa), seven grandchildren: Karyn (Jacob), Jeffrey, Ty, Brayden, Kaitlynn, Connor, and Mackenzie, and one great-granddaughter, Leighton.
Don's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched as a thoughtful, dependable, honest family man who loved to laugh with his grandchildren and enjoyed life to the fullest.