Donald Paisley

Donald Paisley, 92, of Beal City, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Green Acres Assisted Living in Mt. Pleasant. He was born John Donald Paisley on November 13, 1931, in Isabella County. He was the sixth of nine children born to the late Arthur and Sarah "Sadie" (Elliott) Paisley. Don was welcomed into the home by his elder siblings, Norma, Virginia, Elizabeth, Helen, and Arthur. He would later welcome his younger siblings, Jo Ann, Pauline, and Dick. After graduating from Beal City High, Don served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge he returned to the states and married Joyce Hauck on August 28, 1954, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Beal City. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Karen, Janice, Jacqulin, and Gary. After her death in 1989, Don married Alice (Carey) Beltinck who also preceded him in death. Considered to be a "jack of all trades" Don held numerous jobs throughout his lifetime. He was employed by Thielen Turf, was a carpenter, owned and operated Paisley's White Star Bar (with his brother Dick), and retired as a groundskeeper from Central Michigan University. He enjoyed gardening, mowing his lawn, listening to music (especially station 103.1 in Gladwin), and eating out (especially at the Diner in Weidman). He was a talented woodworker, as well, having made rocking horses for each of his grandchildren. Don is survived by his children, Karen Kavanaugh of Mt. Pleasant, Jan Gruss (Greg Germain) of Beal City, Jackie Earl of Beal City, and Gary Paisley of Beal City; grandchildren, Janell (Rob) Anderson, Brandi (Jason) Chen, Brittany Earl (Markeece Hall), and Spencer (Morgan) Mabry; 10 great grandchildren; siblings, Dick (Mary) Paisley of Gladwin, Pauline Schafer of Beal City, and Jo Ann Riley of Blanchard; sister in-law, Alice Paisley of Clare; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Joyce and Alice; grandson, Jason Gruss; sons in-law, Jeffrey Gruss and Terry Pung; and siblings, Norma Frick, Virginia Neff Bisbee, Betty Vogel, Helen Riggle, and Arthur Paisley. A Funeral Mass for Don will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Fred Kawka as celebrant. The family will receive friends in the gathering room of the church on Thursday from 4-7pm and on Friday    one hour prior to Mass. Rite of Committal will be in St. Joseph Cemetery concluding with a luncheon at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family or to MyMichigan Home Care. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.