of Cement City, Michigan, formerly of Texas; Japan; Spring Arbor, Ann Arbor, and Clinton, Michigan, age 87, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Lynwood Manor in Adrian. He was born July 22, 1936, in Port Arthur, Texas, the son of Clyde and Lisette Esther (Kessel) Coward.Donald was the son of a dairy farmer. He served in the US Army in Japan as a Signal Supply Specialist and was awarded commendations. Donald briefly pastored a church; and then worked in automotive sales, earning Top Salesman numerous times. He was also a small business owner for several years. Donald was a lifetime member of the Free Methodist, United Brethren, and Evangelical Friends churches. He was part of the Band of Brothers and other Bible study groups and the Spring Arbor Golf League. Donald went on 11 Jamaican mission trips and 4 Hurricane Katrina Relief mission trips. He was a Sunday school teacher, an Elder, and a Bible study leader. Donald loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a voracious reader. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, picking berries and making jelly, barbecuing, and gardening. Donald grew veggies, pumpkins and flowers, and made pies and cookies all in excessive quantities to share. He had fun attending, and cheering loudly at, his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids (and all their friends) sporting events.
Donald married Theo Geneva Henderson on August 9, 1958, in Spring Arbor. She preceded him in death on October 26, 2000. He is survived by his son, Donald Larry (Sandra Dee Cole) Coward, Jr. of Britton; his daughter, Karyn Jean Coward of Lansing; son-in-law, Thomas Paul Nowicki; brother, Connie Edward Coward; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 16 nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathy Jo Coward Nowicki; brother, Clyde Ray “Ray Boy” Coward; sisters, Ethel Marie Rupe and Marlene Ruth New; and 2 nephews.
A memorial service was held Saturday, June 29, 2024, 11:00 am at Jackson Free Methodist Church with Rev. Tim Flickinger officiating. The family received friends at the church on Saturday from 10-11 am (before the service). Following a luncheon at the church, the burial took place at Spring Arbor Cemetery in Spring Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to Jackson Free Methodist Missions Fund at https://jfmchurch.org/give. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
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Comments
I will miss you while I am still here on earth, and will never forget hunting with the boys on the property! You will live on through us all, and we will see each other again!
Love you forever...