Donald Yaw

Donald F. Yaw, 76, of Gowen, MI passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 18, 2020. He was born September 2, 1943 in Deposit, New York.

Don attended East Grand Rapids High School graduating in 1961 at which time he joined the US Navy. He attended the Blodgett Memorial Hospital school of x-ray technology and upon completion he worked as an x-ray technician for the combined Blodgett and Butterworth Hospital’s x-ray lab for many years. Don continued helping and serving his fellow man as an x-ray tech for the State of Michigan Department of Corrections. Upon completion of certification at West Shore Community College, he became a corrections officer serving 20 years until retirement in 1989. In 1974 Don joined the Army National Guard retiring as Master Sergeant after 27 years of service with the 46th Brigade. After retirement Don was a cross country truck driver and drove a bus for Bear Lake Schools.

He was married to Shannon Kay Naughton for 22 years before marrying Cindy Oldham

Palethorpe in 1989.

Besides his devotion to aiding his fellow man, Don enjoyed building wooden birdhouses, identifying birds in his yard, fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking and reading. He served as a baseball and softball coach for Northern Little League for several years.

Survivors include his wife Cindy, children Donald (Nancy) Yaw, Shannon (Jim) Hager, Sean Yaw, Steve (Kim) Palethorpe, Mike (Trisha) Palethorpe, and Kris (Jim) Floto. Don and Cindy enjoyed 15 grandchildren throughout their 31 years of marriage.

Family services have taken place.  Internment will be at Blythefield Memory Gardens in

Belmont, MI.