Donald Plaxton

Don Plaxton age 81 of St. Johns passed away at his home on Friday, June 1, 2018.  Don was born in Royal Oak, Michigan on February 11, 1937 the son of Art and Elsie (Eastman) Plaxton.  He graduated from St. Louis High School in 1954.Don married Ginny Franks on April 7, 1956. He served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Hawaii.  Don worked for the Alma Police Department, Gratiot County Sheriff's Department and finished his career with 29 years of service in Security at Dow Chemical in Midland.

Don enjoyed walks and drives, feeding and watching wildlife, and making things such as bird feeders, wooden toys, and potato guns in his shop.  He liked to make people happy, either through small gifts, sharing humorous stories, or playing practical jokes.  He and Ginny enjoyed listening to music, and met many friends over the years through local jam sessions.  Family and friends were a great source of pride.  Among his favorite events was Coyote Count, an ongoing annual father/son/grandson weekend in the northern Michigan woods, which he started over 25 years ago.

Don is survived by his wife: Ginny of 61 years; children: Scott (Terry) Plaxton of Pickerington, OH, Carol (Randy) Tepatti of Statesboro, GA, and Shel (Sarah) Plaxton of Highland, MI; grandchildren: Melissa (Justin) Bedtelyon of Rose City MI, Grant (Andrea) Plaxton of Holt, MI, Chris (Tina) Tepatti of Charleston, SC, Zachary Plaxton of Clawson, MI, Breanna Plaxton, of Highland, MI, and Kaley Plaxton, of Highland, MI; great-grandchildren: Connor, Alayna, Darcy, Kate and Violet Bedtelyon.  He is also survived by brothers and sisters: Lois (Clare) Myers of Shepherd, MI, Sharon Dryden of Standish, MI, Peggy (Mike) Blouch of Sidney, MI, Sally (Richard) Miller of DeWitt, MI, Jerry (Ginny) Plaxton of Lansing, MI, and Jack (Pat) Plaxton, of Breckenridge also many nieces and nephews.  Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Roger Plaxton at a young age.

A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at the Riley Township Hall 7110 W. Pratt Road, DeWitt, MI 48820 located on the corner of Francis and Pratt Roads from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a brief time of sharing at 2:30 p.m.

Don requested no memorials - just do a kind deed for someone.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.