Donald Wilson "Don" Shive

Donald Wilson "Don" Shive of Battle Creek, MI

Don, age 79, died unexpectedly Monday morning, October 26, 2020 at his residence.

Don, the son of Richard Wilson and Juanita Marie (Long) Shive, was born in Goshen, IN on March 21, 1941; moved to this area shortly after birth and was a 1958 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He served his Country honorably and nobly during the Vietnam War (1960 -1964) as an Airman Second Class for the United States Air Force with the 507th Air Base Squadron. Don was nominated as the "Best Chef" in Vietnam. He continued his chef expertise after his discharge by being employed by the Holiday Inn, Battle Creek Inn, Old Mill Golf Course and retired from The Barking Frog of Augusta. Don was an avid collector of antiques.

Don was united in marriage to the former Mary "Star" Morgan in Albion, MI on October 31, 1970 and she sadly preceded him in death on January 9, 2018. Surviving is his daughter, Renay (Sam) Creech of Battle Creek; two sons, Donald Shive and Michael Shive, both of Battle Creek; seven precious grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; three sisters, Tina (Brian) Burton and Angela (Joe) Norton, both of Battle Creek and Robin Woods of East Leroy, MI; three brothers, John (Lisa) Shive, Dick (Kay) Shive and Terry Shive, all of Battle Creek and many nieces and nephews. Don was also preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jean Milsap and two brothers, Kevin and Bill Shive.

Don's family will greet friends on Friday, October 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. 40 people at one time are allowed in for viewing; masks are required and social distancing to be maintained will be enforced that evening. The Graveside Service to celebrate Don's Life will be held next Wednesday, November 4th at 2:30 p.m. in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors and the Rev. Danny Stoneham, Pastor of the Andrus Street Church of God, doing the committal prayer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's honor may be directed to the Southwest Michigan Veteran Relief Fund, P.O. Box 2528, Battle Creek, MI 49016.