Donald W. Wilkes

Donald W. Wilkes, 71, of Union Pier, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Hanson Hospice in Stevensville.  Arrangements are entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo, MI.  Memorials may be made to Hanson Hospice.  Those wishing to sign Donald’s Memory Book online may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.  Donald was born June 14, 1944 in Rensselaer, Indiana to Everett Clarmont and Lois Irene (Newbold) Wilkes.  He graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1962 and then served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War as an airplane mechanic.  On June 6, 1965, he married the former Brenda Higgins in New Buffalo, MI.  Donald worked as a machinist at Joy Manufacturing in Michigan City, F P Rosback Co. in St. Joseph and retired from Whirlpool Corporation.  Donald was a member of the Three Oaks American Legion and Three Oaks Masonic Lodge #239.  He was a fan of Indiana University basketball, played guitar for the band Ansun and enjoyed camping. He was a racing enthusiast and enjoyed building race cars to race at Martin Dragway.  Donald is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughter, Andrea (Chris) Fryling of Bridgman; two grandchildren, Vallerie & Ryan Fryling; brother, Richard (Jackie) Wilkes of Edwardsburg; and several nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Alan Wilkes in 1985; and brother, David Wilkes.