Donald Imm

When reflecting on the life of Donald Imm, words such as steadfast, hardworking, and generous come to mind, but it was both his unwavering faith and his unending love for his family that will be his lasting legacy. His children describe him as the best father they could have ever hoped for and although he loved being a father, he just may have argued that being a grandfather was the best part of having children. Don was never overbearing or boisterous in his faith, yet his deep love for his Bible and acts of service to those both near and far exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord he loved. He leaves behind priceless memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the lives of those he dearly loved.

The early forties found the eyes of our nation fixed on the perils of WWII overseas. Countless young men and women were fighting for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today. There was great celebration in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing the war to an end. This year was a year to remember for one busy family from Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a much different reason as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on October 3rd. Baby Donald was the second of five children born to his parents, Joseph and Annette (Nix) Imm, as he was raised alongside his older brother, Thomas, and his younger siblings, John, Michael, and Mary. His father worked as a milkman and was also in the military while his mother worked for a tax collector. The Imm family settled in the Santa Anna, California, area when Don was still quite young.

When he was 11 or 12 years old, Don lived across the street from a young girl named Diane Etheridge. He just knew that she was the girl for him, but Diane wasn’t quite so sure. They were very close friends and often double dated, but not each other.

After graduating from high school in 1963, Don proudly served in the United States Marine Corps beginning on August 22, 1963. These were the days of the Vietnam War, and while in the service Don earned the rank of corporal before he was discharged on October 17, 1966. In recognition of his service, he was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge with an M-14.

With his military duty fulfilled, Don returned home and was reunited with his best friend, Diane. On May 8, 1965, they started dating which led to a year long engagement. Finally, on November 5, 1966, in Orange County, California they were blissfully married. Together they were blessed with four children: Donald, Dale, Tina, and Brenda. As a father Don was second to none as his children thought he was simply the best. Through the way he lived his own life, Don taught his children to be hard workers, to get up early, and to be on time, however, being on time in Don’s book meant arriving 15 to 20 minutes early for everything! In order to support his family he worked for Electronic Solutions for many years.

Throughout his life Don’s faith was his constant companion. He loved the Bible, and he used it to direct his path with every step he took. Don was generous with both his time and his resources and although his community was always his own mission field, he also actively supported missionaries all over the world.

About six years ago, Don and Diane had the desire to move their family from their home of 33-years in Baldwin Park, California to Plainwell, Michigan, to help their long time dear friend and pastor of the Lighthouse Baptist Church, Dr. Jerry Bowen. They prayed and the Lord blessed them by getting their house sold shortly before the housing market crashed. In Michigan, Don felt confident that Plainwell was where the Lord needed him to be. Lighthouse Baptist became a special place for Don, and he kept busy helping out with a variety of projects around there. Not only was he the general handyman, but he also took care of the lawn and did the snowplowing. Some around the church would say Don specialized in “digging holes.”

Throughout his life Don appreciated so many things. His favorite food was hot dogs from Costco, and they were always accompanied by his favorite drink - Coke. In fact, as a diabetic for 44 years he always had a coke available when he needed a sugar boost. He was into everything mechanical and had a name for all of his “toys” like his trucks, cars, and tractors as they were all his girlfriend, Betsy. When Don became a grandfather, spending time with his grandchildren became a favorite activity, and it doesn’t come as a surprise that he taught them to drive tractors and his Rhino. When it came to holidays, Easter was Don’s favorite celebration, and his sweet treat of choice was black licorice.

Although he could be as stubborn as a mule, Donald Imm had a heart of gold and was the sort of man who would do anything for anyone. He fully devoted himself to everything he did whether it was involving his family, his work, or his church. Don was a great leader in his family who used his time and talents to make life better for those around him. He will be remembered for his compassion, his humility, and his devotion to the Baptist Christian faith. Don will be deeply missed by those too numerous to count.

Donald E. Imm died on Monday, January 2, 2012. Don’s family includes his wife: Diane; four children: Donald Imm, of Plainwell; Dale (Jamie) Imm, of Plainwell; Tina (Robert) Beltran, of Plainwell; and Brenda (Jesse) Gonzalez, of CA; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings: Thomas (Naty) Imm, of TX; John (Judi) Imm, of CA; Michael Imm, of Plainwell; Mary (Don) Carroll, of TX. Don was preceded in death by his parents. The family will receive friends on Monday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lighthouse Baptist Church, 12220 Cressey Road, Plainwell (664-3229). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11a.m. at the same location. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Don’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Lighthouse Baptist Church. The family is being assisted by the Today Center of West Michigan, 518 East North Street, Kalamazoo, MI.