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Don Mattingly

September 11, 1926 - November 6, 2014
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, November 8, 2014
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Rosary will be recited at 2pm. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

Driving Directions

Service

Monday, November 10, 2014
2:00 PM EST
St. Ambrose Catholic Church
1628 E G Avenue
Parchment, MI 49004
(269) 343-0099

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

St. Ambrose Church
1628 E G Avenue
Parchment, MI 49004
(269) 343-0099

Centrica Care Navigators
7100 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 345-0273
Driving Directions
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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In all ways, family was at the heart of Don Mattingly. A hard working and competitive, yet loving, kind man, Don enjoyed the simple things in life. He carried himself with integrity and honor, and taught his children well. Although Don will be deeply missed, the memories he leaves behind will continue to be treasured in the days to come.

The 1920s ushered in a new culture within America and in the city of Paris, Illinois, Edward and Zella (O'Hare) Mattingly added an addition to their family with the birth of their son, Donald on September 11, 1926, the fourth of eventually five children in his family. Born and raised in the farming community of Paris along the western border of Illinois provided young Donald with much adventure as a child. He in time began living with his grandmother, Agnes Mattingly and during his youth attended a one room schoolhouse.

One of Don's great loves throughout his life was his enjoyment of sports. He loved watching and played many sports well into his later years. A competitive fellow, he even switched schools so he could play for the Redmond High School football team. While in high school, Don met the love of his life, Betty McGinness. They became smitten at one of the school dances, and after dancing the night away, began dating. They became husband and wife on February 18, 1952 and for the next 62 years of their lives together, Don and Betty were nearly inseparable.

To support his new bride, Don worked for the International Harvester before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. All of his brothers were also in the service, but they didn't call on Don until one of his brothers was safely home. From 1954 to 1956, Don served in truck maintenance while stationed in Germany.

After the war, Don picked up where he left. Having already started a family of their own, he and Betty were eventually blessed with seven children. Their bustling household included Barbara, Steve, David, Diane, Sharon, Richard, and Sandra. It was his ultimate goal to keep his family together and family and church were his focus. Don was a nurturing and loving father, and taught his children by example.

After moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1960 and building a home of their own, Don and Betty provided a good life and many memorable times. A devout family to their Catholic faith, they were members of St. Monica Catholic Church where each of their children attended Catholic school. As a family they enjoyed the adventures of tent camping, even with all seven kids packed in the tent and food and belongings in their station wagon. Don was always involved in the lives of his children and attended all their activities. Over the years he loved visiting the zoo with the kids, and visited many around the country.

Don lived by his faith. He had a way of the putting the needs of others before his own, especially when it came to those he loved. He was an encouraging father, and supported his children's endeavors. With his competitive nature, Don was also very coordinated, He was a great skater and dancer on skates, and taught each of his kids how to roller skate and dance. Don always had sports on TV, but his kids particularly remember his watching boxing matches while they were growing up.

Don was instrumental in starting the first Knights of Columbus Council in Kalamazoo #1616. Throughout the years, he was very involved and was an honorarium member. He served as Grand Knight in various offices, was a State Officer for 10 years in the Kalamazoo Diocese and served for 4 years as District Deputy. For 26 years of his career, Don worked as a building inspector and field rating engineer before moving on to the Upjohn Company, where Betty also worked. Together they both retired from their tenure there in September of 1992.

After retiring, Don and Betty were able to enjoy their passions, including spending more time with their large family. They made a move to the Parchment area, and for the last 20 years attended St. Ambrose Catholic Church. As a couple they traveled at every opportunity, especially enjoying a memorable trip to the Vatican City and visiting family members.

As early as 1989, Don and Betty shared their love for competitive sports and became actively involved in Senior Olympics. They participated in the State and National Competition in bowling, horseshoes and shuffleboard. They both did extremely well, and hailed one another on. In fact, Don and Betty often traveled each year with the Senior Olympics.

Don's family was the apple of his eye, and Betty was the joy of his heart. They did everything together, and were the greatest companions, and lifelong loves. They enjoyed events together at the Knights of Columbus such as spaghetti dinners, and shared their love of big band music and dancing throughout their years together. In his quiet time, Don could be found journaling his daily and life events. The things he recorded in his many journals will always be a reminder of what was truly important to him.

Don always looked nice. He was a sharp dresser, and carried himself well. He liked gardening, and grew the biggest tomatoes. He also liked putting on a show for the kids with his famous dives in the pool, which were no less belly flops. Don had a good sense of humor. Well liked, he was admired and shared the friendships of many. A proud, loving family man, Don always placed his family first and foremost.

As the years wore on both he and Betty physically, illnesses came and went, but most recently, they were both placed into loving care at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. In rooms right next to each other, it was on November 6, 2014, at the age of 88, where Don sadly died. Deeply missed and never to be forgotten, his memory lives on in the hearts of those he touched and loved.

Don was preceded in death by siblings: Frank, Joseph Wayne, Robert and Mary Lucille. Members of his family include his wife of 62 years, Betty Mattingly; seven children: Barbara (Mike) Johnson, Steve (Blanca) Mattingly, David Mattingly, Diana (Mark) Petersen, Sharon (David) Hudson, Richard (Barbara) Mattingly and Sandra Mattingly; 15 grandchildren: Kevin, Kelly, Krista, Kate, Amy, Joseph, Sarah, Dannielle, Amber, Shane, Tyler, Mara, Ryan, Michael and Alex; four great-grandchildren: Aspen, Harper, Gavin and Isabella; many nieces and nephews.

Visit with Don's family and friends while sharing hors d’oeuvres and refreshments on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 2-5 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900 where the Rosary will be recited at 2:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 10, 2014, 2:00 PM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Parchment. Entombment at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Please visit Don’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.

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