Donald Wayne Stibbs of Kewadin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 96 years old.
Don was born in Detroit on September 14, 1926, to the late Stanley W. and Blanche Stibbs. He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 71 years, Joyce (Morley) Stibbs.
Don took over the family business, the Stibbs' 5₵ to $1 store, in Buchanan, MI, and with Joyce`s help added a second store in Three Oaks, MI, which they ran until retirement in 1984.
Although Don worked six days a week, he found time to play just about every sport with his boys, their neighbors, and friends. He especially liked baseball, but basketball, football, hockey, sailing, skiing, and golf were also on the list. Along with athletics, Don was an avid card player. He enjoyed playing bridge with friends, and he and Joyce engaged in daily cribbage games.
Over the years spent in Buchanan, Don was active in many groups including: The Lions Club, Poker Club, Rotisserie Baseball League, Orchard Hills Country Club, and the Coffee Club. He and Joyce also spent many years as delivery drivers for the local Meals on Wheels chapter.
Once retired, Don and Joyce were able to travel, including trips to New Zealand, Australia, England, Africa, and Nepal. They endeavored to hike the trails in the places they visited, in order to get a closer look at the countryside. They always seemed to return with new friends that they would keep in contact with for years.
Don and Joyce moved north from Buchanan to Kewadin, MI in 2014 to be closer to their son, Bob, and their grandchildren.
They were grateful for the friends they made in their Fairway Court neighborhood, and looked forward to Thursday evening cocktail hour. They were also welcomed as members of the Kewadin United Methodist church, and appreciated the love and support of the congregation.
Don is survived by his sons, Robert W. (Julie) Stibbs of Williamsburg, MI and James W. (Juliann) Stibbs of Anaconda, MT, grandchildren, Ryan W. Stibbs, and Carey (Issac) Tafelsky, and great grandchildren, Trudy Stibbs, Alexander Tafelsky, and Maddox Tafelsky.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, March 15, at 11:00 am, at the Kewadin United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. A luncheon in the church hall will immediately follow the service; all are welcome.