Donald John Holton

Donald John Holton, aged 82 of Kentwood, fell asleep to this world on Friday, March 23, 2018. He was born May 21, 1935 to Hannah (Johnson) Holton and Harold Holton in Northport, MI.  Don packed a lot of living into his 82 years. Early on, as a star pitcher for the Northport High School.  Later, classic country music became his passion and he shared the stage with stars of that era, which are too numerous to mention, having had several recordings on the Nugget Label. Realizing the precariousness of the entertainment business, Don kept his “day jobs”, first as a lineman for United Airlines and then as a commodities mover for Baker-Knapp and Tubbs, F & A Cheese and finally for M.C. VanKampen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lyle and Wesley; his first wife Phyllis, with whom he had a daughter, Karen.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Amber and Kodey; and two great granddaughters.  Don will be loved and remembered by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Boyd Holton of Kentwood, MI; nephew, John (Carol) Holton; nieces, Susan (William) Wolenweber, Lori (Gerard) Bellanger, and Deborah Holton. Don and Patricia spent their retirement years traveling, having flown the Concord three times, sailed the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary II numerous times, to many European locations. An avid fisherman, Don enjoyed dipping a line in the water at his cabin named “Tightfit” on Waloon Lake near Chapleau, Ontario, Canada, with his fishing buddies.  Piloting his cessna, he was able to fly to see mom and dad Holton and family members in Northport whenever the spirit moved him to do so. Those of us who loved Don will be looking ahead to the Resurrection morning when Jesus returns to take us all “Home”.  Special blessings to the staff at American House for the loving care they provided, especially by Chris David, from the “Good Old Days”. Funeral services for Don will be held on Tuesday, March 27,  at 11:00 am at South United Methodist Church, 4500 South Division, Kentwood with Pastor Mack Strange officiating. Interment Smellege Cemetery in Tennessee. Relatives and friends may meet the family at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to South United Methodist Church.