Donald R. LaRoy Obituary

A service in witness to the resurrection will be on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Voyage Church, 6339 Atlantic Ave., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family on Friday night, September 27, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Don will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Prattsville Reformed Church or Voyage Church, in c/o the funeral home.

Age 74, of Otsego, died with his beloved wife and daughter at his side Thursday night, September 5, 2024, while singing hymns of praise. Don was born in Kalamazoo on January 14, 1950, the son of Arlon and Jessie (Hiemstra) LaRoy. He proudly served his nation in the United States Army, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. On February 16, 1973, he married Debra Lynn Brinks who survives him. Don always tended to the needs and burdens of others. He was a hard-working carpenter, honest and persistent. He lived and worked with integrity and perseverance. He enjoyed using his carpentry skills to make things beautiful. When his daughter's congregation suffered a huge physical loss, he came to their aid to help rebuild both the parsonage and chapel. Don and Debbie enjoyed travelling together, especially to Disneyworld where they honeymooned and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They also liked going to New York to get their grandchildren fix. He also liked spending time with family and the many friends he made during his life. In his spare-time he enjoyed estates sales, antiquing and a good motorcycle ride, which often ended at Plainwell Ice Cream. Don was baptized at Twin Lakes Reformed Church, where he also made his confession of faith. It was here he served as an Elder, Deacon, youth group leader and sang in the choir. It was their church home for many years. He was currently a member of Voyage Church. Besides his wife, Don is survived by his daughter, The Rev. Rebecca (The Rev. Gregory) Town of Albany, NY; grandchildren, Karissa, Emelyn, Joseph; sisters, Esther Kellay and Phyllis (Hugh) Steele; brother, James (Luann) LaRoy; brother and sister-in-law, Curtis and Jan Brinks; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his mother and father in law, Emma and Joseph Brinks.