Donald M. Checkley
May 25th, 1957 - June 23rd, 2024
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Donald's Obituary
Donald M. Checkley, 67, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday morning, June 23, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI.
He was born on May 25, 1957, in Buchanan, MI, the son of Robert and Bernice (Gordon) Checkley. In his younger years, Don worked at his family’s business, Checkley Construction before working 19 years at Dowagiac Manufacturing from 1975-1994. Don was then employed by Leco Corp for 28 years as a machinist, until his retirement in 2022.
On August 28, 1976, Don was united in marriage to Cynthia A. Ruple. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved nature and the wildlife on his property. Don was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed attending and watching NASCAR and NHRA racing. Don was very handy and was able to fix anything. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Don loved to target practice with his grandchildren as well as watching them show their livestock at the County Fair. He attended all their school and sporting events, regardless of the weather.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Cindy Checkley; daughter and son-in-law – Tristan and Joel Preston; two grandchildren – Alainna and Mayson Preston; six siblings – Loretta Freshour, Sally (Jim) Beckwith, Gary (Cindy) Checkley, Nancy Ruminer, Tom Checkley, and Diann Lewandowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and four siblings – Bill Checkley, John Checkley, Bonnie Carpenter, and Margie Checkley.
A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Interment will follow in South Wayne Cemetery, Dowagiac. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cass County Cancer Services. Please visit Don’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.clarkch.com.
He was born on May 25, 1957, in Buchanan, MI, the son of Robert and Bernice (Gordon) Checkley. In his younger years, Don worked at his family’s business, Checkley Construction before working 19 years at Dowagiac Manufacturing from 1975-1994. Don was then employed by Leco Corp for 28 years as a machinist, until his retirement in 2022.
On August 28, 1976, Don was united in marriage to Cynthia A. Ruple. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved nature and the wildlife on his property. Don was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed attending and watching NASCAR and NHRA racing. Don was very handy and was able to fix anything. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Don loved to target practice with his grandchildren as well as watching them show their livestock at the County Fair. He attended all their school and sporting events, regardless of the weather.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Cindy Checkley; daughter and son-in-law – Tristan and Joel Preston; two grandchildren – Alainna and Mayson Preston; six siblings – Loretta Freshour, Sally (Jim) Beckwith, Gary (Cindy) Checkley, Nancy Ruminer, Tom Checkley, and Diann Lewandowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and four siblings – Bill Checkley, John Checkley, Bonnie Carpenter, and Margie Checkley.
A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Interment will follow in South Wayne Cemetery, Dowagiac. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cass County Cancer Services. Please visit Don’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.clarkch.com.
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