Mr. Donald Gilchrist, age 88, of New Era, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2015. He was born June 12, 1926, in Pentwater to Claude and Lucy (Mitteer) Gilchrist. He attended school in the Oceana County area. Donald married Helen Ingram in 1946 in Muskegon, they were married forty-six years before her passing in October of 1992. He later met and married Ilene (Norton) James on February 14, 2001 in Shelby; they were married for thirteen years. Donald was employed as a machinist for twenty-five years at Shaw-Walker until his retirement in the 1980's. He farmed his entire life and also enjoyed restoration of antique tractors, manufacturing of farm implements, model trains, traveling with Ilene and was a member of OATS (Old Antique Tractor Society).

Donald is survived by his wife, Ilene Gilchrist of New Era; children, Judie Ewing of Grand Haven; Frances Tice of Grand Haven; Catherine (Donald) Schmieding of Shelby; Darrel James of Shelby; Paul James of Shelby; Lorraine (Bruce) Mitter of Shelby; Mark James of Shelby; Mary (Charles) Rapes of Shelby; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Helen (Ingram) Gilchrist; and son, William E. Gilchrist in 1997.

The Funeral Service for Mr. Gilchrist will be Saturday, March 28, 2015, at 11:00 am at King Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hart with Pastor Paulette Zoulek officiating. Interment will be in Hart Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at King Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hart. The family requests that any memorials be directed to Shelby Wesleyan Church, 54 State Street, Shelby, MI 49455

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