Donald "Don" James Emeott, Sr.

Donald “Don” James Emeott, Sr. of Thomas Township, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at the age of 87 years. Donald James Emeott was born on November 14, 1933, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Francis and Inez (Champlin) Emeott. He was a proud 1952 graduate of Hemlock High School. Don honorably served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy Reserve, serving from May 1952 to August 1959. He married the love of his life, “his bride”, Janet Lee Brush on June 26, 1954, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Saginaw; she survives him. Don worked as a heating technician for many years until he became the owner and operator his own business, “Don’s Heating”. He was a faithful member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where he also volunteered as a money counter and an Usher. Don was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #8808. Don was the last surviving original member of the Shields Men’s Club, a member of the Thomas Township Recreation Board where he was honored for being the first inducted into the Thomas Township Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame, and recently retired from the Thomas Township Downtown Development Authority. As a young man, Don enjoyed coaching little league and following the sporting events of his children. He enjoyed camping with his family, bowling, playing horseshoes, and golfing. Don will forever be remembered for his hard work ethic, caring for his immaculate lawn, selflessly devoting his life to the service of others, and for loving and cherishing his family.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Janet Lee Emeott of Thomas Township; five daughters and three sons: Donna (John) Bohlinger of Bay City; Don (Jill “BC”) Emeott of Bay City; Jerry (Christine) Emeott of James Township; JoAnn Nordstrom of Caro; Dennis (Diana) Emeott of Saline; Denise (Ron) Wetherbee of Freeland; Judy (George) Burkett of Rock Hill, SC; Jill (Michael) Shelden of Saginaw Township; 19 grandchildren; 21great-grandchildren; two brothers: Robert Emeott and Bill Emeott. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Emeott; grandson, Matthew Bohlinger; son-in-law, Erlind Nordstrom; two brothers and four sisters: Ken, Francis, Mary Katherine, Beverly, Dorothy and Jane.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of McLaren Hospice, especially Amanda, Ben, and Kevin for all their love, extraordinary care, and kindness they provided to Donald and his family.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Road. Rev. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny will officiate. Military Honors and Rite of Committal will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery under the auspices of the United States Navy and American Legion Post #439. Family and friends are welcome to visit at the W. L. Case & Company, 201 N. Miller Road on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ordinances, masks are required, visitation is limited to 25 people at a time, and social distancing encouraged. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or McLaren Hospice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.