Donald A. Grant

August 15, 1932 - December 8, 2020

Donald A. Grant, age 88, of Carleton, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Fountainview of Monroe in Frenchtown Twp, Michigan. Born on August 15, 1932 in Wyandotte, Michigan, he was the son of John and Mamie (Larson) Grant. On October 25, 1952 he married his High School sweetheart Meldonna Calkins at South Rockwood United Methodist Church. Donald graduated from Airport High School in 1952. He had received a scholarship from the University of Michigan and was a freshman when he was drafted into the Army as the Korean War was ongoing. On December 10, 1952, Donald left Monroe for basic training at Indian Gap, Pennsylvania. He was shipped overseas in 1953, landing in Japan and was supposed to go on to Korea but was instead sent to Chemical, Radiological and Germ Warfare training in Japan, then spent six weeks helping set up Camp drake near Tokyo. Donald was then sent to Korea and arrived on the last day of the war so he saw no combat while in service. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was discharged on October 4, 1954. Donald worked at Chrysler Trenton Engine Plant before being drafted. He was employed there until 1967, then he worked at the Trenton Chemical Plant. After the service, he returned to Chrysler starting out as a timekeeper in Finance, retiring in the position of Comptroller after thirty-six years. The Grant family lived in Carleton, then Detroit Beach and then back in Carleton. Since 1990, Donald and Meldonna spent the winters in Fort Myers, Florida until his wife died in 2010. He went to Florida for a couple of years after his wife's passing but then stayed in Michigan due to health issues. Donald and his family attended United Methodist Church. Donald was a Commander at the Carleton VFW Post and Meldonna was President of the Ladies Auxiliary. He was on the Ash Township board, two years as a trustee and eighteen years as treasurer. He was also a member of the Flat Rock Elks # 1731 and Woodhaven Moose. Donald enjoyed sports, playing golf, cards, gardening and working in the yard. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Wesley Grant, brother, Norman Grant, grandson, Chad Grant. He is survived by his sons, Randy Grant, Ronald Grant and Richard (Heidi) Grant; daughter, Renee (Charles) Pipis; grandchildren, Mandy Grant, Randy "D.J." Grant, Alison (Macie) Grant, Alexander Grant, Aaron Grant, Austin Grant, Kristin (Jason) Diroff and Ashley (Joe) Carrabino; great-grandchildren, Alexus, Chasmin, Willow, A.J., Bristol, Bailyn, Kinsley and Maverick; sister in law, Marion Yoas. Private family services will be held at Bobcean Funeral Home, Carleton Chapel on Friday, December 11, 2020. Rev. Taek Kim will officiate the service. Burial will be in Carleton Cemetery, Carleton, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Carleton United Methodist Church or St. Joseph Mercy Hospice.