Donald Orton

Donald W. Orton Leonidas age 85, died Sunday, February 5, 2012 at his home. Don was born November 28, 1926 in Bedford, MI a son to the late Clifton and Illa (Bird) Orton. Don served in the Merchant Marines four years. On January 30, 1948 he married Louise M. Schwencer in Battle Creek. Don had been employed at Lee Paper Mill in Vicksburg, worked for the St. Joseph County Road Commission and also had farmed. Don had lived in the Leonidas area the past 59 years, where he was a member of the Faith Bible Church. He is survived by his wife Louise, daughter; Nancy (Bud) Rogers, son; Bill (Lou Ann) Orton all of Leonidas, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren, 2 sisters; Pauline Bowman of Augusta, and Shirley Brenner of Orange Park, FL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Inman and brother Al Orton. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. 308 S. Blackstone Ave. Colon, MI 49040. Funeral services celebrating the life of Donald W. Orton will be Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. from the Faith Bible Church, 15350 E.Y. Avenue, Fulton, MI 49052 with Pastor Leonard Brinks officiating, burial will follow in Leonidas Cemetery. If desired the family suggest memorials in memory of Don be made to either the family or Lifespan,Good Samaritan Hospice, 166 E. Goodale Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037.