 McSWEEN DON Of Plymouth, at age 89 joined his wife Irene in the comfort of Our Lord Jesus Christ on October 13, 2012. Father of Bill (Marge), Katy DeSautel, Gwen (Don Erickson), Mary Sekel, Michael (Amy), Don (Deb), and the late Renie McSween. Loving grandfather of 16 and great-grandfather of four. Brother of the late Mildred, Shirley, and Lou. Don was a religious man who found great solace in pursuing his Catholic faith, providing for his family, and following the Red Wings and Tigers (Don was a baseball pitcher in college at Eastern Michigan). Don was a teacher at heart and taught 5th and 6th grade at Allen Park's Arnold elementary school while moonlighting as a sheet metal journeyman in the Detroit auto plants. Growing up during the Great Depression, losing his own mother at a young age, serving two years in the Army during WWII, and then working two jobs for thirty years to support his wife and seven kids, it was obvious that Don lived a hard life. Knowing Don's past makes it easier to understand the conflicts that occurred between he and his loved ones. Don was not one to compromise or negotiate when it came to principal; life was either black or white and you either stood on his side or you prepared to fight. Don taught us a belief that there is a greater Being that we could not possibly comprehend, to be passionate about our beliefs, and fight for your causes (even when you stood alone). Don was not a great communicator but interacted with his family through sports and activities and was often found watching an event from the distant sidelines. He taught us about determination, about overcoming fear, and indirectly about forgiveness and compassion (especially during his senior years). And one last lesson was that you could still stay trim and fit even if your diet consisted of pie, cookies, and ice cream. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Harry J. Will Funeral Home at 34567 Michigan Ave., Wayne, MI 48184 on Monday, October 15 from 4-8 p.m. Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 34437 Sims Street, Wayne, MI 48184. Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Private burial service will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery located at 8850 Dix Street, Detroit, MI 48209. |