Donald W. Wickett

Donald W. Wickett, 77, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Borgess Lee Hospital in Dowagiac. A Celebration of Life Service will be held grave side on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 1 PM at Crane Cemetery in Volinia with Military rights, officiating Pastor Michael Heflin. Friends may join the family following the graveside service at the Decatur VFW, 560 N. Phelps St. Memorial at 2 pm. Contributions in Donald’s name may be made to, VFW Post 6248, the American Diabetes Foundation or the Van Buren Youth Camp. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Donald was born September 30, 1942, in Dowagiac to Wesley and Roberta (Paul) Wickett. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1959. Donald was a Navy Veteran who served on the Noa DD-841. He was with his wife, the love of his life, Beth for 22 years. During high school he was one of the original Van Buren County Folk Dancers and a member of the football team. He spent every summer at the Van Buren Youth Camp. Donald was a supervisor for E.F Murch Company and Rudy’s and then was a maintenance worker for Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital for 24 years before his retirement. Donald was an avid gardener and horseshoe player. He had a love for animals, he was like Doctor Dolittle; animals loved him and he had 3 little fur-babies who followed him everywhere. Donald loved helping people, and that was shown through his commitment of being an organ donor through the Gift of Life. Most of all he loved the outdoors and spending time his family. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Beth Wickett; children, Deborah Chandler of Decatur, Michael (Marisol) Wickett of Elm Hurst, Jacob Bjork, Matthew Teeple; 7 grandchildren, Kevin (Jennifer) West of Arizona, Sarah (Josh) Docekal of Decatur and Steven West of North Carolina, Brandon Wickett of WI and Samantha Wickett PA Andre Gallegos and Hector Alvarado of Chicago 8 great-grandchildren, Emma (Taylor) Rundle, Jacob Greenwood, Braydon and Finlee West, Landon Swetz, Colten and Olivia Docekal, J.J. West, plus 1 great-great-granddaughter, Kinsley Rundle, and Sister Carol (Lloyd) Wilkinson. Don was preceded in death were his parents, brothers Harry Wickett and Bob Wickett.