Donald E. Collison

Donald E. Collison, age 71 of Sanford, died Saturday December 15, 2012 at his residence. The son of the late Ervin and Irene (Schave) Collison was born in Port Hope, Michigan on July 17, 1941 where he was raised and educated. Don served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from June 29, 1967 to June 27, 1969. He was employed with Boilermakers Local #169 until his retirement in 2001. After retirement, Don returned to his roots by working at various farms. He was an active member of American Legion Sanford Post 443 for 35 years.


Surviving is his wife of 47 years the former Christine Gaffke of whom he married on September 4, 1965 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Port Hope; daughter, Andrea (Gary) David of Sanford; son, William "Bill" (Jennifer) Collison of Midland; grandchildren, Jordyn and Ryleigh David, Logan and Cierra Collison; sister, Marlene Arnott of Bay City; uncles, Delbert and Herbert Collison; 11 nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Don was preceded in death by sister, Marilyn Smith.


Funeral services for Don will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday December 19, 2012 from Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Reverend Lowell Gisel will officiate. Interment will follow in Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial may be offered to Hospice Advantage. Personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com