Donald Frederick Foreman, crossed the finish line at the spry age of 86, on July 9, 2024, in DeWitt, Michigan after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born in Williamston, Michigan on October 30, 1937, to Bill and Monnie Foreman, Don was a farm boy at heart and often told many tales from his youth and visits to his grandparents’ farm
In his early career years, he worked for SD Solomon and Sons. He eventually retired from Leaseway Motorcar Transport Co, previously known as C & J Commercial Driveaway Inc., where he was a car hauler; taking newly built Oldsmobile’s from state to state. He was also a member of the Old Trucker’s Club and Teamsters Local 580 Union. During his trucking time he was known by the CB “handle” Gizmo. When the movie Gremlins came out, he was quick to remind his family they might be overdoing the Gizmo gifts.
Donald was known for his kind and gentle nature, and he had a knack for fixing things. After trading his work boots for sandals, Don and his wife, Joan wintered in Florida with their many friends at Lake Letta RV Park. When in Florida he rarely missed a Monday morning coffee social or Tuesday breakfast with the guys! He especially enjoyed the nightly happy hours visiting with many around the park. His hobbies included collecting hats, watching NASCAR races, fishing, and bowling and camping with his family. Other than his wife, his most loved possession was his 1965 Yellow Mustang Convertible. He had a humorous fondness for beer, often joking that he hardly ever drank one he didn’t like. Don and Jo enjoyed collecting Eagles of every form and size.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joan, and their children, Jeff (Ann) Foreman, Steve (Patty) Foreman, and Chris (Dave) VanArsdall. He was a cherished grandfather to Ryan VanArsdall, Katie (Emily) Gesell, Jacklyn (Hunter) Knapp, Candice Foreman and Lyndsay Foreman, as well as a great-grandfather to Jazlyn, Benjamin and Armani. He also leaves behind two brothers, Bill (Peg) Foreman and Jon (Jay) Foreman and sister-in-law, Barb McIntosh along with many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Bill and Monnie Foreman; brother, Lyle; sisters, Rosie and Ruthie; brother-in-law, John and granddaughter, Melissa.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Gorsline-Runciman, DeWitt Chapel on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 11: 00 to the time of the service, with his final resting place following at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Don's life was a joyride of love, laughs, and lasting memories. He'll be in the rearview mirror, but never forgotten. Keep on truckin', —we'll catch you on the flip side. Oh and one last thing Papa Firepit, watch out for those big holes.
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