Donald Lavon Shea, 90, of Traverse City, passed away Jan 23, 2020 at Bay View Assisted Living. Don was born on Feb 3, 1929 in Thompsonville to the late Thomas C and Dessie Mae (O'Blenis) Shea.
Don honorably served our country as a member of the US Navy from 1948 to 1952.
He married the love of his life, Mildred Ann Youker, an Oct 20, 1951 in Thompsonville.
Don graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's in business administration and banking. He went on to become the manager at Peninsula Fruit Exchange for 50 years.
In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and reading. Above all else, he cherished his time with his grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Ann Sutliff; grandson, Logan Shea; brothers, Kenneth and Chester; sister, Elizabeth MacGirr; and nephew, Richard McCarthy.
Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Millie; daughter, Katherine (Tim) Belanger; son, Patrick (Marta) Shea; son Michael (Shanna) Shea; son in law, Jeff Sutliff; 12 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Don's life will be held on Fri, Jan 31, 2020 at 11 am, at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 am. Don will receive military honors from the Cherryland VFW Honor Guard #2780 and the American Legion Post #35. Interment will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
