Donald Lanway

Donald Thomas Lanway, age 94, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2011, one day before his 95th birthday, at Satchells Christian Retirement Home in Caro, following a brief illness. He was born July 3, 1916 in Kingston, the son of the late Thomas L. & Lina (Campbell) Lanway, and was a lifelong area resident. After graduating from Kingston High School at the age of 16, Don joined a CCC Camp near Lewiston, and later worked at a General Motors plant in Pontiac for war production during World War II. Following the war, Don returned to the family farm outside of Kingston until moving to Caro in 1965. While in Caro, Don became involved as a real estate agent, retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Caro United Methodist Church, a life member of the Caro Mt Moriah Lodge #226 F & AM, the Caro Chapter 96 RAM and the Elf Khurafeh Shine - Scottish Rite in Bay City. During his free time, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching basketball and baseball games. Don was united in marriage with the former Virginia Mae Newton on June 22, 1940 in Clifford, and the couple recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, Don is survived by three sons, Dale Newton Lanway of Bay City, Thomas Lanway and his wife, Joyce, of Ossineke, Erin J. Lanway of Grove, Oklahoma; six grandchildren and their spouses, Ted & Laura Lanway, Jill & Rob Moen, Ty Thomas Lanway, Julie Lanway, Lonny & Jessica Lanway, Rory Lanway; five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Carson and Cole Moen, Mia and Ryder Lanway; one sister, Hazel Boersma and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by an infant son, Donald Jan Lanway; one sister, Florence Knowles; two brothers, Jack Lanway and Bruce Lanway, who was killed near the end of World War II; and a daughter-in-law, Lois Ann Lanway. The family wishes to express their thanks to Peggy Satchell and her staff and to Denise from American Hospice for the love and care given to Don these last few months.