Donald E. Blacker

BLACKER, Donald E.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Don passed away Tuesday evening, August 12, 2008 at Borgess Medical Center. He was born February 8, 1930 in Urbana, IL, the son of the late Herman and Pearl Bellis Blacker. Don was employed by National Gypsum Co. until their closing in 1974, when Don began working for Parchment Public Schools until his retirement in 1990. He was a life member of the F. & A. M. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where he was a former Worthy Patron. Don enjoyed citizens' band CB radio and the numerous friendships he made over the years. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. On June 13, 1947, he was united in marriage to Darlene Schilpsand in Kalamazoo, who survives. Also surviving are their 2 children, Suzanne Timmer of Kalamazoo and Elaine Richard Oomen of Jupiter, FL; 4 grandchildren, Randy Stephanie Timmer, John Jillian DeGoede, Jeff DeGoede, and Jennifer DeGoede; 2 great-grandchildren, Jacob Timmer and Ethan DeGoede; 2 sisters, Beverly Imberton of Tolona, IL and Phyllis Walter Dubbeld of Inverness, FL; 1 brother, Jim Barb Blacker of Lake Wales, FL; 2 sisters-in-law, Helen Blacker and Betty Shively; nephew, Dirk Shively; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; 1 sister, Margaret Johnson; and 3 brothers, Edgar "Beefie" Blacker, Herman Blacker; and Richard Blacker. Funeral services for Don will be at 11:00 AM on Monday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., with Rev. James Dyke officiating. Interment will follow in East Cooper Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 PM on Sunday at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or Michigan Masonic Home Alma, MI. www.langelands.com