Donald Raymond “Don” Persons, 84, of Gaylord, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, in Petoskey Michigan.
Donald was born April 14, 1937, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Clifford and Ruth (Howard) Persons. He was one of five children, Betty Persons Kehr, Jerry Persons (deceased), Robert Persons, and James Persons. Don was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College with Graduate degrees from Wayne State University and Central Michigan University. Don was a teacher, administrator, guidance counselor, and school psychologist before retiring to live in Northern Michigan in 2001.
Don married Nancy Louise Burgess Persons in 1961. She preceded him in death in 2001.
In 2002, Don married Darlene Bricker Persons. She preceded him in death in 2014. In 2014, he married Alice Cheney Persons, who survives. Don is also survived by four children, Sharon Persons, Glen Persons, Matthew Persons (Chandra Childress), and Melinda Persons Hemry (Jack Hemry).
He leaves behind five grandchildren, Kayla Hemry Warren (Anthony Warren), Alexander Nivison, Paige Hemry, Ethan Persons, and Kelsey Persons; and many stepchildren and step-grandchildren.
Don enjoyed spending many summers at Lake Louise (Thumb Lake) and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Gaylord. He lived in many areas including Wisconsin, Louisiana, and several towns and cities throughout Michigan. Don had a life well-lived and taught by example. His primary vocation was education with his best lessons conveyed as a father, husband, son, and brother.
Visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Gaylord, with funeral services and a celebration of his life, immediately following at 2:00 p.m.
Flowers may be sent to the First United Methodist Church or memorial contributions may be made to Covenant House, to shelter and care for homeless children, by visiting the link provided below Don’s picture.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
5 comments on “Donald R. Persons”
To Alice and all of Don’s family……
Sending you love, comfort, and peace.
Much Love,
Barry and Jeanne Cheney
My thoughts and prayers go out to the faimly.
Take care and God Bless you.
Alice and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time. Don was a good man and loved his church and men’s small group. We loved and respected him too. Peace!
Leo Sensabaugh
Enjoyed getting to know Don while living in Gaylord. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alice and family. Blessings, Charlie and Nancy (Morgridge) Bump
Dear Alice, I just learned of Don’s passing. He was a special man and a loss to all who knew him. I send love and my sympathathy.