Donald Joseph Beckley

Donald Joseph Beckley died peacefully on December 4, 2024, at Borgess Hospital after suffering a stroke. He was born in Detroit to Joseph and Helen (White) Beckley on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1944. Don graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School and attended the University of Detroit, where he met his forever Valentine, Barbara Sorensen. He served as a reservist in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and married Barbara on April 29, 1967. They enjoyed 41 years together until her death in 2008. 

He is survived by his daughters Ann (Michael) Beckley-Forest of Buffalo, NY and Mary (Steve) Beckley-Clark of Portage; his beloved grandchildren Thomas, Matthew, Helen, Joe, Sophia and Maggie; his nieces Laurie Hargrove, Denise McCrimmon and Crissy Rann; and numerous cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his infant brother, James Robert. 

Don began his career in sales/retail management and later owned an executive limousine service. After his retirement, Don and Barb moved to Kalamazoo where they became active members of St. Catherine of Siena Church. Don served as the financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus Council 6980 and was a 4th Degree Knight. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing on the St. Catherine’s men’s league and watching professional golf tournaments. Don often joked that it never rained on a golf course, the dew just got very heavy—a good excuse to head to the 19th hole. His greatest satisfaction was as a proud father and grandfather, cheering his children and grandchildren on in whatever they did. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo 49009, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1150 W Centre Ave, Portage 49002, followed by a funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, a hospice care agency, at www.centricacare.org. 

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.