Donald "Donnie" Wayne McNamara

Heaven has gained another Irishman and all around the Pearly Gates glasses were lifted in toasts to welcome home a good man.Donald (Donnie) Wayne McNamara passed away on January 31st 2023 at the age of 61 in Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.

Donnie went to be with those who have passed before him with his son and daughter at his side, sending him on with love.

Donnie was born to Frank and Ruth McNamara on October 24th, 1961 at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, joining many brothers and sisters in a bustling westside home. Donnie enjoyed many great times with his siblings before graduating from Waverly High School where he played baseball, in fact, whenever you missed when throwing something in the trash Donnie would kid you and say “play for Waverly?”

After graduating from high school Donnie worked for Finleyʼs Grill with his brother, Kevin as a cook and quickly became known as one of the best. Donnie would continue cooking for the rest of his life, but mostly at home, cooking the best Prime Rib youʼve ever had. Donnie also worked for Meijer Warehouse for almost 30 years before retiring in 2021.

Donnie had two children who he loved very much, his son Jaren, and a daughter Kelsey. Donnie also had three grandchildren at the time of his passing, Lillyanna, Landon and Layla. Donnie loved his family to a fault and was known for his kind and quiet ways. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find anyone with a negative word to say about Donnie, he was so well liked by everyone he met.

Donnie loved to watch NASCAR, the Detroit Tigers and was a proud and devoted Notre Dame fan. Donnie loved to spend time and took great care of his significant other, Gina OʼDonnell, for 20 years, during which Gina and he enjoyed spending time with friends at the Westgate Tavern and watching many a NASCAR race. Donnie was a great bowler and a fantastic softball player. In typical Donnie fashion he was glad to help out his brother David opening the Sidestreet Deli in Charlotte, MI.

Donnie is survived by his significant other Gina OʼDonnell, his children Jaren (Jess) and Kelsey McNamara, step-daughters Chelsea (Steve) Phillips and Jessica OʼDonnell. Grandchildren Lillyanna and Landon Miller and Layla Neal, step-grandchildren Ellie, AuBrea and Timmy Phillips, Raven Ho, and Luna and Aurora LaHaie. Donnieʼs brother David (Rose) McNamara, sisters Vicki Nylander, Jackie Ruiz and Patti (Jimmy) Melton and sister in law Christy McNamara also survive him.

Donnie was preceded in death by his father Frank McNamara, mother Ruth McNamara, brothers Denny and Kevin McNamara and his brother in law Jay Lee Nylander.

A celebration of Donnieʼs life will be held at the VFW Post 701 at 123 Rosemary Avenue, Lansing, MI on Saturday, February 11th from 2-6 p.m. Come join us to raise a glass to Donnie and celebrate how loved he was.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com for the McNamara family.