Donald Harrell, M.D.

May 25, 1947 ~
April 18, 2023

Donald Edward Harrell, M.D., age 75, of South Haven, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ronnee Jean Harrell; and his parents, Lonnie and Erna Harrell. Don will be lovingly remembered by his children, Ryan and Abby Harrell, Amanda Harrell-Seyburn and Adam Seyburn; grandchildren, Samantha, Treyton, Keegan, Ryer, Tagg; brothers, William Harrell, Thomas and Patricia Harrell, Ronald Harrell. He graduated from Lawton High School, Michigan State University with a degree in Zoology, and University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Harrell was a talented family practice physician providing medical care for over 40 years to the Kalamazoo community. Don and Ronnee raised their children in Kalamazoo and later relocated to South Haven. He was an active member in his church. He was a talented artist, and a passionate sailor and kayaker. Don loved Michigan rivers and lakes. He was known for his intellect, kindness, humor, storytelling and appreciation for ice cream and Coca-Cola. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at The Church of the Epiphany Episcopal Church, 410 Erie St., South Haven, MI, 49090. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Michigan Maritime Museum - Launching a Legacy Capital Campaign.

Celebration Gathering
Friday, April 28
4:00pm - 6:00pm

The Church of the Epiphany Episcopal Church
410 Erie St.
South Haven, MI 49090
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

September 21, 2023 10:32am
I'm sorry about being so late paying tribute to Don. I didn't know he had died until I read about it in the 50-year Medical School Memory Book today. He and I were roommates our first year at Michigan Medical School A more thoughtful, gentle, intelligent, caring person I can't imagine. I wish back then I had been as good a roommate as he was. He did come down to Atlanta for a Medical Conference in the late 70s. He had dinner with my wife and me. I haven't been in contact with him since. I'm sorry to hear his wife also died. I'm sure his children are proud of him. A great guy. I'm sure he was a fabulous doctor. So sorry for his passing.

- Jack Bates

April 27, 2023 5:15pm
Don grew up on Gravel Lake and I knew him through summers there, and at Lawton High School. Over the years, I would have a chance to talk to him and always remember his dedication to medicine and helping others less fortunate. His kindness and caring were always apparent. Deepest sympathy to his children and families. He truly touched so many people for good.

- Linda Barkalow

April 27, 2023 3:59pm
Every several months I would call up Don and we would talk for an hour or so about health care for the poor, health care inequities, intractable pain, and so on. We shared many hopes and visions for a better world. I moved back to Kalamazoo in 1978 hoping to bring some of the services that Don brought to the Family Health Center to my office in Vicksburg Michigan. However, like many dreams, over the years we both moved on but reconnected regularly - sharing dreams and hopes in medicine yet to be resolved. Throughout his battle to serve the poor, Don always made time for his family - he loved Ronnie and his kids dearly. He took them on adventures in South Haven and shared his love of wilderness kayaking. He showed them the good in the world, and through the church showed them the best of humanity. Ronnie was a major loss, and Don missed her sorely. He will be missed by all of us who hope for a better world. David Lyman, MD, MPH Ann Arbor, Michigan 4 27 23

- David Lyman

April 23, 2023 10:50am
Donald and I shared attendance in a men's Bible study group for several years. The secret we shared was we were both peace-loving Conscientious Objectors in a world that rarely accepted that path. He influenced me to be more disclosing, and I wrote an article that received favorable comments for the choice. Thank you, Don.

- Bryan Lundgren

April 23, 2023 9:56am
Dr. Harrell was my doctor for many years, not visit went by without a story of kayaking or the U.P.. condolences to the family. Peace be with all.

- Jay Junker

April 20, 2023 9:25am
Don was my high school lab partner and cut the frog that I couldn't. Sympathies to the family, he will be greatly missed.

- Gwen Hultquist.




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