Donald Melrose

Donald Melrose experienced many things in his lifetime that showed him the importance of appreciating what he had. He understood what it meant to fight for a cause and to put others before himself. A dedicated father and loving husband, Don was a true family man who cherished all the time he spent with his wife and children. In their presence, he always had a proud smile on his face. In 1922, Adolph and Esther (Peterson) Melrose were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new addition to their family. On June 17, 1922, the couple delighted in welcoming the birth of their son, Donald Edward. One of four children, Don grew up in the company of his sister, Vivian, and two brothers, Howard and Charles. Don received his education in the Muskegon area schools, graduating from Muskegon High in 1940. He then went to work at Agerstrand Corporation for a short time before following the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. Don proudly served his country during World War II. While stationed in Italy, his plane was shot down over Vienna in February 1945, and he was a Prisoner of War until the camp was liberated in May. Once out of the service, Don returned home to his family. Right before leaving to go overseas he met Betti Wilkinson. While he was away, they stayed connected through many letters. Upon coming home they continued to date. In the fall of 1947, Don and Betti were married on September 6, at Spring Lake First Presbyterian Church. After they were married Don continued on with his education at Muskegon School of Business (Baker College). The two spent the next 63 years together, raising their three children: Bruce, Cathy and Patricia, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. As a father, Don was very caring and attentive; he took great pride in his children and their accomplishments in their lives. Besides being a devoted husband and father, Don worked for many years at Senf Insurance Agency, which later became Melrose-Senf Agency. After retiring in 1987, Don and Betti began traveling more extensively around the U.S. and overseas to places like Sweden, Denmark, Canada (Lake Louise) Mexico, Oregon, and all over Michigan. Many of their adventures were taken with their travel trailer in tow. When they needed to feel the sun on their face and sand between their toes, Don and Betti would escape to a condo in sunny Destin, Florida, which they had for many years. Don had a plethora of hobbies and activities he enjoyed to stay active. He loved to golf and fish with his son and friends. Don and Betti enjoyed cross country skiing together and often hit the trails with friends. He was a big fan of western movies, particularly those starring John Wayne, and Bettis potato salad. Don was also active in his community as a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Viking Lodge and the American Legion Charles Conklin Post. Above all else, Don enjoyed being surrounded by his wife and children. They were the people that he shared his life with, and the people that he loved. His legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. Donald Edward Melrose died at his home on Tuesday, October 5, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Bettijane; and his daughters, Cathy Christine Melrose of Muskegon and Patricia Ann of Baton Rouge, LA. He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Bruce Melrose, his parents and his siblings, Vivian Stewart, Howard and Charles Melrose. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 23, at 2 p.m. in the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Rev. Don Matthews officiating. Visitation is on Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Viking Lodge Scholarship Fund or the First Presbyterian Church. Please visit Dons personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory or sign the online guestbook.