Don L. Filley

Don L. Filley, 75, of Elkhart, IN, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on April 8, 1950 in Coldwater, MI to Roy and Helen (Reynolds) Filley. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1968. He married Ann Filley-Lacay on December 1, 1974. He went on to serve in the United States Navy for 3 years as a shipfitter, stationed in San Diego, CA. He attended Hobart School of Welding and was certified in 1978. He attended the Metal Fabricating Institute and received a diploma in Structural Steel Fabricating in 1981. His career started at Lacay Fabrication as a tool maker, fabricator and machinist in 1977. In 1988 he went to work at Bayer Corporation in maintenance for 7 years, while starting to develop his own machine shop on the side. In 1995 he left Bayer Corporation to establish Enterprise Machine Shop. In 2002 he took an opportunity to work at AM General H2 Plant as a millwright in the maintenance department, before retiring in 2018. Don enjoyed custom motorcycles, hot rods, and spending time with his family. He was immensely proud of his workmanship in welding, machining and steel fabrication. He proudly passed that knowledge down to his three sons who all use these talents and expertise in their current careers, ensuring Don's legacy will carry on.
Don will be mourned by his wife, Ann Filley of Elkhart, IN; his sons: Eric (Linda) Filley of Phoenix, AZ; Ryan (Jessica) Filley of Warsaw, IN; Mathew Filley of Mishawaka, IN; his grandchildren: McKenna Filley; Madison Filley (fiancé, Jacob Sullivan); Bella Filley; Kinsley Filley; Garrett Filley; Callen Filley; Bennett Filley; Lucas Filley; his sister: Connie DeLand of Adrian, MI; and his brothers: Jon (Cindy) Filley of Charlotte, MI; Al (Shawnda) Filley of Benton Harbor, MI; and Steven (Jody) Filley of Dowagiac, MI.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Helen Filley; and his brother-in-law, Jack DeLand.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home (115 S. Main St., Bourbon, IN).
A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Phil Barron officiating.
The burial will take place in Pleasant Hill Cemetery (Bourbon, IN).
The family requests memorial contributions be made to Potawatomi Wildlife Park (16998 SR 331, Tippecanoe, IN 46570).
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the Filley family and is honored to be providing our services in celebrating the life of Don. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.