Time For Memory

AGE: 90

MASSEY, Donald B.

Paw Paw

Donald Burdette Massey, the second son of Floyd James Massey and Frances Marian Gilman Massey was born in Kalamazoo on October 6, 1914. He passed quietly March 22, 2005 at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo. Donald was a 1932 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and received a BS degree in design and mechanical engineering from Western Michigan University. His first employment was with Clarage Fan Co. then he went to the former Sutherland Paper Co. During this time he took many courses at Western Michigan Univ. to further his education in the engineering field. In 1961 Donald joined Packaging Corporation in Grand Rapids for two years before being asked to join the engineering team at the Kellogg Co. in Battle Creek as a design engineer. During his twelve years there, only two days were lost due to inclement weather. Each year Donald was presented with a certificate of perfect attendance. During his employment at the Kellogg Co, he became a member of the correspondence group of Design Engineers Magazine and was the author of many articles published. On June 24, 1961 at First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo Donald was united in marriage to the former Vernabelle Abbott who survives. Donald leaves to mourn a sister-in-law, Helen Armantrout; 2 nieces, Mary Helen (Dr. Peter) Weisbruch of Port Orange FL, Martha Jane (Richard) Armantrout-Taylor of Farmington; 1 great nephew, Paul David Weisbruch of Furman University; four great nieces, Sarah Elizabeth Weisbruch of Florida State University, Maria Elizabeth, Annika Rose and Jerusha Elise Taylor of Farmington; special friends, Marvin and Julie Flick, Jim Dillenbeck, Ronald Wrege and Marcia Williams. Donald’s only brother preceded him in death. Donald thoroughly enjoyed his home outside Paw Paw, watching wildlife, and as he often stated “Nothing better than breathing clean country air.” After retirement in 1976, Donald and his wife traveled over much of the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, Hawaii, and Europe. Sports of all kinds and the great out of doors were the love of his life most every weekend he could be seen with his hunting dogs or in the boat fishing. Donald held memberships in the Elks and Battle Creek County Clubs. Donald was an avid reader, was a good golfer with many trophies and he enjoyed a competitive game of tennis. He also had a number of trophies in bowling. Donald’s great smile and humor will be greatly missed by relatives, neighbors and friend. A Memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2005, 11 a.m. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Lawton, with Rev. Ron Brooks and Rev. Claudette Haney officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Rose Arbor Hospice, or charity of ones choice. Arrangements by ADAMS Funeral Home, Paw Paw.