Obituary of Donald Eugene Mell

Donald Eugene Mell, 79, of Niles, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Donald was born on July 15, 1942, to the late Carrol and Cora (Bukow) Mell in Niles, Michigan. On August 17, 1968, Donald wed Suzanne Stypczynski at the St. Hedwig Catholic church in South Bend, Indiana. After graduating high school Donald joined the United States Air Force and served for six years active duty. He continued serving as a reserve for the next four years and finished out his military career in the air national guard. In total, he put in over twenty years in the air force. Donald worked for the air national guards as a Senior Master Sergeant and he started with the city of Niles once he left active duty. He started small and eventually made his way up to becoming the superintendent of electrical. On a part-time basis, Donald also served as a volunteer fireman. He was a very hard-working man and was respected by all those who had a chance to work alongside him. There were a lot of things that Donald held dear to his heart and his family was number one. He was a huge part of his kids’ youth sports teams and thoroughly enjoyed coaching women’s basketball and softball. When his grandkids came of age there were very few times that Donald was not at their sporting events cheering them on. Being a veteran was always something that he took pride in and he took his experience with him everywhere he went. Leadership skills were a natural part of his personality and he found joy in helping people where he could. Donald was a member of the Big Brothers of America and did what he could to serve those a part of the program. Some of his favorite memories would have included his yearly trips to the cabin in Big Rapids with his family, camping, and a very special trip to New Orleans. Donald was somebody who could be relied on and his friends and family will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carrol and Cora. Donald is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Stypczynski) Mell; his daughters, Beth (Randall) Taylor and Becky (Ronald) Hartline; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his sister, Lelane Shelburg; and many other family members and friends. A memorial service with military honors will be held at St. Mark’s catholic church on Friday, October 1st, 2021 with public visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and services started at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions made in Donald’s memory may be donated to the Salvation Army. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.