Donald Roger Maylone, "Gramps", age 97 , former resident of Williamsburg, MI, died at the Michigan Veteran Homes in Chesterfield Twp., MI, peacefully on February 11 ^th .

Don was born on February 4, 1926, to Willis and Sophie Maylone in Minnesota.  He proudly served his country in WWII with the infantry, 13 ^th Armored Division "Black Cat" during the European campaign of 1945.

He married Barbara "Bobbie" Craig at St. James in Ferndale, MI on August 28, 1945 and they raised 5 children, Kathy, Shereen, Rick, Scott and Tim and mentored many others as they raised their children.

Gramps will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend.  He was a skilled craftsman working as a tool and die maker and retired from his own business.  He was an avid jokester and after retirement, he partially fulfilled his childhood desire, to run away with the circus.  He attended Clown Camp in Wisconsin.  Don was a founding member of Cherry Capital Clowns.  He was a strong supporter of the Butterfly House and Bug Zoo in Williamsburg.  He was a very loving and humble man willing to share himself with all he met and he will be missed by many.

Before moving back downstate, Gramps was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids.

Don is survived by; Kathy (Tom) Grabowski, Shereen Emmi, Richard Maylone, Tim (Carol) Maylone, 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, son Scott and 2 great great grandchildren and all his siblings.

Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 4, 2023 at St. Kieran Catholic Church, 53600 Mound Road, Shelby Township, Michigan, with a luncheon following the Mass.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until time of Mass.  On Monday, March 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM, Gramps will be interred in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly (Please arrive by 9:45 am).  A Celebration of his life will be celebrated locally this Spring and will be announced

Memorials in lieu of flowers made be made to "Pipers Project: This Girl Can", a charity special to Gramps, as it is associated with his long-time clown partner, Linda Lile.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com