Obituary of Donald W. Gilchrist

91, of Vassar died Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at the Hospice Residence at Marlette Regional Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2013 at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church in Vassar. Burial will follow at Millington Township Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Martin Funeral Home in Vassar on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. On Monday, Don will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be directed to Vassar Food Pantry. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Don was born in Detroit, Michigan, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Dale and Hazel (Johnson) Gilchrist. He grew up near North Lake in Tuscola County's Watertown Township, with brother, Ed and sister, Ardie. He attended Fostoria High School and graduated from Millington High School in 1940. He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Master Technical Sergeant in the Pacific during World War II. He played baseball for the Marine Corps Flyers in the 11th Naval District Baseball League and the San Diego City League. He played with and against professional baseball players Forrest Main, Bob Lemon, Red Ruffing, Butch Wensloff and "Tiger"Vico. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Millington and married his high-school sweetheart, Patricia Kennedy, on September 24, 1946. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2005. In his free time, Don enjoyed golf, bowling, and volunteering at St. Frances XavierCabrini Catholic Church. Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Thomas Gilchrist and Timothy and wife, Debra Gilchrist; five grandchildren, Christian and Kelsey Gilchrist, Rachel and husband, Tevya Finger, Stacy Roman, and Jeff and wife, Brooke Roman; great-granddaughter, Kelsie Cothron; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; brother, Ed Gilchrist and sister, Ardie Hanlin.