Donald D. Charles

Donald Douglas Charles, age 87 active and energetic, was called home by his Lord on January 15, 2024, after an unexpected brief illness. Donald is lovingly survived in cherished memory by his precious wife of 54 years Karen Charles (nee McKenzie). They exchanged marital vows on September 27, 1969, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clawson, MI. A resident of Shelby Township, MI for over 43 years. Born September 11, 1936, to parents James Riley Charles and Florence Ella Anna Charles (nee Schaefer) in Royal Oak, Michigan. Dearest family surviving Don are brother Lester Charles celebrating 100 yrs. of age May 2024, sister-in-law Marlene Nock, together with several generations of nieces and nephews. Don leaves behind a lifelong intimate circle of family friendships. Preceding Don in passing are treasured parents James and Florence, dear sisters Shirley Krebiehl (dec. Peter) and Sandy Swann (dec. Ken), sister-in-law Betts Charles, brother-in-law Earl Nock and beloved father-in-law and mother-in-law Elmer and Hazel McKenzie. Always loved and missed, Don and Karen's Sheltie mix of 13 yrs., Nikki. He retired from a 50-year career in precision industrial machine tooling, such as jig and boring mils. Don began his career with the renowned precision tool company DeVlieg Machine in Royal Oak for 36 years until an outstate merger. He traveled across the USA for DeVlieg setting up new machinery to precise accuracy limits and was the professional DeVlieg clients sought most often for installation and troubleshooting. Member of the DeVlieg Retiree Club. He completed his professional career with Balance Engineering in Troy. A DeVlieg jig mill is proudly exhibited at Greenfield Village Museum's Hall of Fame Tools. Don's precision abilities extended beyond his career. In hobby, he was a master craftsman woodworker of furniture and wood accessories. If his Karen dreamed it, Don would design and create it to his great joy to please her. His Dad a talented woodworker began his son in the craft as a boy. Don, always wanting to be busy, never to sit idle, was Mr. Fix-it of all repairs, push mowed his lawn, trimmed shrubs, and would drive anywhere or distance for any chore, especially to Home Depot and Menard's…his hangouts. Don and his Karen both loved to golf; traveled winters to Florida and South Carolina for 15 years having a ball meeting other snowbirds who became great friends. Don was a lifelong member of weekly golf leagues. Practice makes perfect; he shot his best games just above par in his spry 80s and his very best this last season, 2023. Trips to Las Vegas with his Karen, whom he lovingly nicknamed his "Little Charlie" and with friends brought Don no fortunes except those of great fun and memories. Their Northern Michigan cottage of many decades was a regular adventure of snowmobiling, sitting by the fireplace, playing cards, golfing, bonfires, and Bar-B-Q with family and friends. Don's characteristic qualities of his love, devotion, kindheartedness, integrity, sphere of talents, fun sense of humor, and personable charms will be remembered and missed forever by his wife and beloved as he rests and lives eternally in the Light and Love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Don's wishes for cremation are in the care of the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home in Utica, MI. A Christian memorial service with interment of cremations will be at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, MI will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, a free-will gift to charity of your choice in Don's memory is graciously appreciated.

Donald D. Charles

September 11, 1936 - January 15, 2024