Donald Drum, 88, of Mears, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024.  Don was born on October 2, 1935, in West Branch, Michigan, to Raymond and Beulah (Bond) Drum. The family settled on a farm in Walkerville, Michigan, and had two more sons, Dale, and Doug.

The Drum boys lost their father when young and they helped run the farm while their mother taught school. These younger years were also filled with hunting and fishing at any opportunity.  Over the years, family and friends have been thoroughly entertained when Don told stories of those simpler times with very little money and of all the trouble those three young boys could get into!

Don married his high school sweetheart, Alta Strayer, in 1954.  The two were inseparable and would become very skilled hunting and fishing partners their whole lives through. Don and Alta moved to Hart and started their family, having three daughters over the years, Sheila, Susan, and Rhonda.

Don was a fast learner and excelled in many trades.  He started as a meat cutter at Gales IGA and, in later years, opened his own small shop as a side income, where he butchered and processed beef and deer.  With his vast knowledge of guns, he also helped many people with their firearm problems. His interests were piqued when he started work at DuPont and was offered classes in electrical and refrigeration. Before and after Don's retirement, he helped family and many others with these skills without pause, making many close and dedicated friends along the way.

Don has finally been granted the peace he deserves and can now retell those hunting, fishing, and boyhood stories with all the people that played a role in them.

Don leaves behind his 3 daughters, Sheila Drum, Sue (Gary) Lyman, Rhonda (Paul) Gray; beloved grandchildren, Donnie (Michelle) Lyman, Dawn Lyman, Justin Lyman, Falon (Josh) Markow, and Adam (Jody) Gray; 7 precious great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Dale) Drum and Pat (Donald) Strayer; and cherished nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alta; brothers, Dale and Doug Drum; son-in-law, Gary Lyman; brother-in-law, Donald Strayer; sister-in-law, Kathryn Drum; and nephew, Rick (Desiree) Strayer.

As per Don's wishes there will be no service held at this time. His family has planned a private celebration of life in Spring, for both Don and his son-in-law, Gary.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com