Don Paddock

Charles Lindbergh made the first successful flight across the Atlantic. For parents, Lester and Mona (Rollins) Paddock of Manton, MI, this was the year that they celebrated the birth of their son. On the 6th of April, 1927, Donald Fay Paddock was born into a family that eventually grew to ten.

Don was one of eight children who grew up on their parent's farm. The first number of years of his life were marked by the difficulties that came from living through the Great Depression. It was on his 17th birthday that he decided to leave high school and join the Navy. He was deployed in 1944 as the cook aboard a supply ship, the USS Misipillion. Four years later, at the end of his first tour he and Dora Ashby were married in 1948 just before he took his second tour of duty which was inactive and went through 1952. It was not long after his return that he and Dora were divorced.

Upon return home around 1950, his family had moved to Kalamazoo, it was here he began work for Sutherland paper. He then went to work at E.M Sergeant Oil Co. where he worked for 17 years as a delivery driver and later as a technician where he was the highest paid staffer at $5.35 an hour. Don decided to attend night school in Grand Rapids where he learned the trade of an electrician. After he completed his studies, he took a position as an electrician for Downing Electric and if fact, he installed the first working traffic light at 9th and Stadium Drive.

It was in 1961 and after having found love for one another; Don and Suzanne Brodhagen were married. Suzanne's father was one of the founders of the Oshtemo Township Fire Department, where Don joined in work with his father-in-law and became a firefighter for Oshtemo in 1966. After ten years of firefighting, Don retired in 1976. The third and fourth generations of the family now serve with the department.

Following his service as a firefighter he went on to his final place of employment, Emro Marketing (Checker Gas) where he worked as an electrician, changing gas stations from full service to self service. Don retired from there in 1989.

In retirement, Don became involved with the Van Buren Flywheelers and the Kalamazoo Valley Antique Engine Club. Don had always enjoyed the outdoors and in retirement, he was able to spend a great amount of time there. He particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing. It didn't matter whether he was on the big lake or in a little boat with a line over the side or fly fishing in a stream, Don loved to fish. As for hunting, deer season was his favorite, but he certainly wouldn't pass up the opportunity for a hunt of squirrel or rabbit.

Don was always quite proud of his gaming successes. He would showcase his prizes by having them ready for the dinner table; however, his wife wasn't quite as fond of them and would remove them from the table on occasion. For Don however he could have his prizes whether or not they were enjoyed by others as he'd eat anything! If others didn't want any, it simply meant more for him. When it came to eating in general though, meal time was very serious. If dinner was said to be at 2, Don was there waiting at 2 and there had better not be a delay.

Don was a man who knew what he liked and wanted what he liked. When it came to imbibing, it was Jim Beam and almost any kind of beer. Anything but Red, White, and Blue would do. He loved custard pie and would make it for himself. He was very good at it and would often have it eaten before it had even cooled. For his viewing pleasure his top choices were Star Trek, Buck Rogers, Battle Star Galactica, and the mandatory Saturday mornings with Bugs Bunny and the Road Runner.

In a life filled with work and service to his country, his city and his neighbors and family, Don Paddock always made good on his responsibilities, but enjoyed the life that he found in the outdoors. We remember the life that Don lived through this story and the memories that will live on in our hearts, now and forever.

Donald Fay Paddock died on March 19, 2006 at Arbor Manor Nursing Home in Spring Arbor, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sue in 1993, and 1 sister. Donald's family includes 8 children; Gale (Debbie) Paddock, Eldorado Hills, CA, Faye (Sam) Copas, Decatur, IL, Dale (Terri) Paddock, Kalamazoo, Al (Deb) Paddock, Biloxi, Miss, Jamee Paddock of Kalamazoo, Scott (Theresa) Paddock, of Kalamazoo, Julee Paddock of Kalamazoo, Steve Paddock, Kalamazoo, 14 grandchildren, several great grand children. 2 sisters; Ann (Ken) Nelson, of FL, Vivian (Bud) Warnemant, of Plainwell, 4 brothers; Francis (Mary) Paddock, Manton, Darrell (Ginny) Paddock, Manton, Paul (Ramona) Paddock, Manton, Ted (Imajean) Paddock of FL, and several nieces and nephews and his special friend, Feldra Gregory of Jonesville.

Cremation has taken place and memorial service to honor his life will be held Saturday April 8, 2006 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo (West of 131). A time of food and fellowship will follow in the Life Story Center at the funeral home. Please visit Don's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Great Lakes Hospice or Reading Ambulance in Hillsdale County.