Obituary of Donald Angelo Lighthart

Donald A. Lighthart, 78, of Niles, formerly of Berrien Center, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022 at West Woods of Niles. He was born on March 4, 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Don and Catherine (Conard) Lighthart. After Donald graduated from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, serving his country proudly and receiving an honorable discharge. Donald continued what would be a lifetime of devoted public service in law enforcement serving Okaloosa County, Florida as a sheriff’s deputy. Upon returning to Michigan, Donald worked for the Howard Township Police Department and then gave twenty-five years to the Niles Police Department before retiring as a lieutenant. During retirement, he decided to work for the court system as a bailiff and then served as undersheriff for Berrien County for a total of two years before his final retirement, giving the gift of service to his country and community of forty-five years. On October 21, 1966, Don married the love of his life, Kathleen Kehoe at a ceremony in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and celebrated over fifty-one years of marriage prior to her passing in 2018. Don had a passion for vintage cars. Owning many throughout his lifetime and had an extensive collection of die-cast model cars. He loved rides on his Harley Davidson and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, Southwest Michigan Car Collectors, the Niles F.O.P. #95 and the Police Officers Labor Council. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathleen and a sister, Kathy Kubiak. Don is survived by his son, Donald (Bethany) Lighthart of Niles; grandchildren, Amanda (Zach) Mounts of Niles, Christopher (Mikayla) Lighthart of Niles, Megan (Alex) Booe of Berrien Center and Sarah Lighthart of Canton, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Lauren, A.J., Frederick Delaney, Walker, and a sixth great grandchild on the way; siblings, Diann (Phil) Horton, Sue and Ron Barwicz, Ray (Sue) Lighthart, Debbie (Dave) Weatherwax, Kim (Bob) Sweedyk and Tom (Julie) Lighthart and many extended family members and close friends. A time of visitation will be held Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Brown Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Recitation of Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home with Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C. officiating. Full Military Rights will be rendered by the U. S. Air Force, the Buchanan American Legion Post 51 as well as local law enforcement. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at 230 W Monroe St Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60606, in his name. 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. Don’s unwavering devotion to God, family and country will be forever remembered in our hearts.