Donald Gleason Sr.

1934 - 2025

Donald E. Gleason Sr. age 91 of Allegan Michigan, passed from this earth into the loving arms of Jesus, Saturday September 6th 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born in Allegan Michigan on August 13, 1934, to Lester and Lydia Marie (Trimm) Gleason. In 1954 Don married his beloved wife of 71 years, Linda (Thompson) Gleason. Together they raised four children, Rusty (Don Jr.), Thresa, Ron, and Lucy.
The couple raised their children with a love for bowling, hunting, camping, fishing, and horses. His children and grandchildren continue to enjoy many of these hobbies.
Don always looked forward to the Allegan County Fair and as far as the family can remember he never missed a year of attending. He especially loved watching the horse races, horse pulls, and anything tractor. For many years Don drove his T-Bird in the fair parade. He helped with the children's pedal power tractor pull event for several years, and he and Linda volunteered as overseers for the historic church building at the fair, through the Allegan Historic Society.
Another special place in Don's heart was the property in Baldwin, MI that he and Linda owned. They spent many happy weekends there in the summer. He always loved going to Jones Ice Cream shop while they were there.
As his children grew into adults, Don never missed an opportunity to prank them or lovingly tease them and they always returned the favor.
Don/Grandpa loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He attended as many of their events as he could. They will always have fond memories of the donuts that he and Linda/Grandma made together and served with apple cider on Halloween. Many of those grandchildren were by his bedside during the last weeks of his life.
Don worked many jobs as a young adult before purchasing a sawmill with Linda in 1975. Eventually the couple sold the mill to their oldest son, Rusty. Gleason's Crating has now been in operation for 50 years.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Lydia Marie Gleason, five brothers; Bill, Bob, Charles, Walt, and Roland who died as a child. Two sisters; Lillian and Ermahgene.
Surviving are his wife Linda (Thompson) Gleason, children Don Jr./Rusty (Gladys) Gleason, Theresa Prolo, Ron (Shawn) Gleason, Lucy (Phil) Norman, grandchildren Don III (Katie) Gleason, Anthony Gleason, Joe (Nichole) Prolo, Alissa Harpe, Daniel Boutain, Kyle (Rita) Gleason, Rick Gleason, Tiffani (Matthew) Brooks, Elisha (Ryan) Enderich, Ashley (Chance) Collins, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-granddaughters, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
Don lived a full and blessed life. As per his wishes, Don has been cremated. A celebration of life open house is planned for Sunday October 12th 2025 from 3pm – 5pm at The First Congregational Church of Allegan (323 Cutler St., Allegan, MI 49010)
In leu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassus Hospice, 5136 Lovers Ln. Suite 200B, Portage, MI 49002 (https://www.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations/)