Donald J. Herron, age 85, of North Branch, died Wednesday, February 12, 2003, at Covenant Cooper Health Care System. Don was born on March 15, 1917, in Yale, the son of John and Mary (Doherty) Herron.

Don and his family moved to their farm in Brown City in October 1931, and the following year they moved to their farm in Burnside. H e graduated from Brown City High School in 1936. Don always dreamed of becoming a farmer, even before helping his father on their rented (Weber) farm on Summers Road. Don bought a farm at 5683 Summers Road, at the age of 24 and he bought his first car when he was 30. After retiring as a dairy farmer, he became a carpenter and roofer throughout the county.

Don was married for 34 years to Lyla Jane Farley (October 11, 1952), together they had six children. She preceded him in death in 1986. On June 20, 1989, he married Arla Schlaud, who preceded him in death. On November 12, 1994 he married Doris Hasenburg Good.

Don was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. When he was younger he was very active in 4-H, 4-H Service Club and Jr. Farm Bureau. As an adult he was a member of Michigan Farm Bureau. Don served as Faithful Navigator and Faithful Scribe of St. John Neuman Assembly. He joined the Imlay City Knights of Columbus in 1958 and served as Grand Knight of Imlay City Council. He was Commander of the Color Corp. and acted as Grand Knight on the Admission Degree Team for over 15 years. He worked at the Knights of Columbus Bingo from 1968 to 2000, then he enjoyed the game as a patron.

Don and his family loved to travel to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in his home made camper. He and his wife, Jane made trips to Europe, Hawaii and many other places in the United States. Don and Doris also enjoyed frequent road trips to visit friends, family and occasional casino.

He is survived by his wife, Doris, son, Patrick of Melvin, daughter, Elizabeth (Barry) Ruff of Alaska, son, John Herron of Tennessee, daughters; Lucy Hughes of Marquette, Margaret (Wilson) Almand of Maine and Donna (Rod) Reinhart of Bay City, 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, wives; Lyla Jane and Arla.

The funeral mass will be 11:00, Saturday, February 15, 2003 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Lawrence Dunn officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. There will be a KC service at 7:00 Friday, February 15, 2003 at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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