Donald Robert Walsh

WALSH, Donald, Robert- age 88, of Fenton, passed away March 10, 2025. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton. Fr. Robert Copeland, celebrant. Visitation 10:00 AM Friday until the time of Mass. Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held immediately following the cemetery at the Fenton Township Hall, 12060 Mantawauka Dr, Fenton, MI 48430.  In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Donald's memory would be appreciated to The American Cancer Society, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or The American Diabetes Association.

Donald was born July 14, 1936, in Petoskey, the son of Fred B. and Marie (Smith) Walsh. He married Armene L. Tousignant in Marquette on August 27, 1959. Donald graduated from Pellston High School in 1954. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Combat Engineers and later in the Army Reserves. His construction career spanned over 40 years, most recently retiring from The Christman Company of Lansing. He began his career as an apprentice carpenter, and through hard work and dedication became a foreman, superintendent, project manager, and operations manager. Donald was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton along with The Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of The Keepers of The Shiawassee and the Michigan United Conservation Club. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and hunting. He loved being on a boat, on the water. Donald also enjoyed gardening and building bird houses. He was an excellent handyman who was known as "Mr. Fix It." Donald was also known as "The Energizer Bunny," and "Pops" or “Papa” to his grandchildren. His craftsmanship is evident in furniture that can be found in the homes of friends and family. Donald loved dogs and they loved him back. He made a difference in many people’s lives - a mentor to many, a father-figure, a teacher, an advisor.

Donald is survived by his wife, Armene; children, Marie (Mark) Wise, Teri (Peter) Bradley, Kelly (Ted) Rickabus, Lori (David) McCloud, Donald (Sheri) Walsh, and Karen (John) Morrison; grandchildren, Adam (Beth) Rickabus, Daniel Rickabus, Mackenzie Bradley, Anika Bradley, Megan (Don) Warren, Taylor McCloud, Lindsay (Joe) Carlson, Alexander Walsh, Kyle Payne, Sable Walsh, Christian Walsh, Isaac Morrison, Andrew Morrison, and Aaron (Erin) Brackett; great grandchildren, Joslyn Brackett, Blake Brackett, Miya Rickabus, Charlotte Carlson, Lydia Carlson, Blaire Carlson, and Noah Carlson; sisters, Eileen LaHood, and Particia (Alan) Miller.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marie Walsh, and his step mother Faye Walsh. Online tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.