Obituary of Don Syson

Don Syson, 74, of Niles, passed away on Saturday June 27, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Don was born on November 30, 1945 in Niles, Michigan to Lewis J. and Betty R. (Gray) Syson. After graduating from Niles High School in 1964, he enlisted into the United States Army, proudly serving his county for two years, while stationed in Germany. Don retired from Simplicity Pattern as a press operator after 41 years. On January 20, 1968, he married the love of his life, Sharon Kissinger. For over 20 years he has volunteered with the Niles Public Schools sporting events; serving as an umpire for baseball and softball, or selling raffle tickets at the football and basketball games, he was a firm believer in doing whatever he could to support his hometown. Don cherished the time he was involved with the Babe Ruth Baseball organization, he umpired for over twenty-five years, including three Babe Ruth Ohio Valley Regional’s and two Babe Ruth World Series games. Don enjoyed spending time with his family, and He loved spoiling his grandchildren. Don had a sense of humor, only he could pull off. He was preceded in death by his father; Lewis J. Syson, and his brother John L. Syson Sr. Don is survived by his wife, Sharon K. Syson of Niles; daughter, Vicki (Craig) Nihart of Houston Texas; son, David (Amy) Syson of Niles; grandchildren Adyson and Braxton Syson; bonus daughter Cheri (Cliff) Dickey of Virginia; mother, Betty R. Syson of Niles; and a sister, Brenda (Jim) Jacobs; also nephew John (Molly) Syson Jr of Niles; niece Kelly (Darrell) Gatchell of Coloma. Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to The Wounded Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 3, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles and will also be live streamed via our website. Friends and Family will gather for a time of visitation on Thursday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The family has requested that everyone observe the Covid-19 protocol, please wear a mask and use hand sanitizer as you enter the funeral home. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.