Donald E. Sheridan

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Donald E. Sheridan, 96, of Allendale, Michigan was called home to his Lord Friday, August 5, 2022, with family by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ione (Johnson), of Coopersville, MI in 2015 and parents, John Sheridan of Allendale, MI in 1963 and Edna (Reister) of Grandville, MI in 1976.

Donald was born and raised on the Sheridan family farm in Allendale. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and remained a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church. He attended Allendale Public School through the 10th grade and finished at Coopersville High school in 1943.

While still a senior in high school, Donald enlisted in the US Navy. Entering the Navy in 1943, he traveled the world at 10 knots per hour as part of a gun crew on a cargo ship as a Signalman 3rd Class. He served his country for 3 years.

After his discharge from the Navy, he married the love of his life, Ione Johnson, in 1949. In 1963 Don and family moved to White Bear Lake, MN as part of a group to produce the world’s first all-aluminum beverage can for Hamms. In the mid-60s Don was part of a citizens driven group to prevent the merger of Allendale Public Schools with Hudsonville or Coopersville schools. From this group, plans were made to create a high school in Allendale, one of his proudest accomplishments. In 1971 he was hired by Allendale Public Schools as the Business Manager/Treasurer, a position he retired from in 1991. The Navy instilled his love for travel, and after retirement, Don along with his wife Ione enjoyed touring almost all 50 states in their motorhome. They also enjoyed a winter home in Dade City, FL for close to 20 years, where Don golfed regularly and enjoyed the “Florida lifestyle.” He actively participated in the Grand Rapids Antique Car Club and enjoyed driving his 1970 Oldsmobile Convertible in multiple local parades.

He is survived by his son, Larry (Gail) Sheridan; daughters, Beth (Harry) Smith, and MaryJo (Rich) Conant; grandchildren, Larry (Julie) Sheridan, Kylle (David) Hardzog, Joshua Smith, Courtney (Ross) Cushway, Ben (Mandy) VanderHulst, April Conant, Matt Conant; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Sheridan; sisters, Donna Laug, Shirley (Earl) Ralya; brother-in-law, Ted Johnson; sister-in-law, Linda Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday, August 11 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the MKD Funeral Chapel, 6651 Scott Street, in Allendale. On Friday August 12, Interment with Military Honors will be held at 9:30 AM at Allendale Township Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony at 11 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, 9628 48th Ave., Jenison, MI. Donations in Mr. Sheridan’s memory may be made to the Reister Family Memorial Scholarship at Grand Valley State University or to St. John Lutheran Church.