Donald Thomas Shankin Sr, age 84 of Ada, Michigan much beloved father, grandfather (Bumpa), great grandfather, brother and friend, died Thursday September 12, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 18, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan to William August and Agnes Rita Shankin (nee Glinski). He graduated from the University of Detroit in business. He married Dolores Augusta Shankin (nee Otto) on June 21, 1952. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dolores; son, David; and brother William August Shankin Jr. Don retired from Seidman and Seidman BDO as a Regional Managing Partner. His civic and philanthropic activities were extensive. He chaired many fund-raising projects in Grand Rapids including Davenport College and Ronald McDonald House. He gave years of service to the American Red Cross and Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. He was especially proud of his work as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Foundation for Catholic Education in Grand Rapids. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, boating and playing cards. He took delight in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Left to mourn his passing and to rejoice in his new life are his children, Don Jr, Denise, Susan, Jim (Patti), Mara and Matthew Shankin, Mary Beth (John) Milan. His loving grandchildren Don III (Shaun), Sean (Tiesha), Celeste, Terra, David, Leela, Maya , Eden Shankin; Marta Lynne (finance Jarred Schantz), and Kramer Milan; Parker Shankin-Clarke; great grandchildren Jadon, Tristyn Shankin and T.J. Barnes, Myana Santiago De Jesus, and Devoun Merriweather; brother Jerry (Joan) Shankin; sisters, Kathleen (Chuck) Bonstrom, Suzanne (Norris) Hyatt; sister-in-law Lois Shankin; brother-in-law Jim (Ann) Otto and dear friend Carol Keane. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday 11 a.m. at St. Robert of Newminster, 6477 Ada Drive, Ada MI, Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Internment Findlay Cemetery.Visitation Monday 6-8:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd., SE. Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House of West Michigan, 1323 Cedar Street N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan or the American Red Cross, Kent County Chapter, 1050 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502-3032.
