Obituary of Donald E. Vales

Donald E. Vales, 65, of Niles passed away at Riveridge Manor in Niles on November 15, 2010. The son of Alvin and Maggie (Burns) Vales, he was born on August 26, 1945 in Caruthersville, Missouri. After graduating from high school Donald served his country proudly during two tours in the Vietnam War. On July 18, 1970 he married Lucille Wallace at a ceremony in Hartford, Michigan Donnie enjoyed everything about the outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt and camp whenever time and weather would permit. He also enjoyed being out at Plym Park whether is was behind the counter working or out on the course playing. He was a kind hearted man with a very sweet disposition who was always a gentleman. Donnie could find humor in just about anything, he was a man who enjoyed life and loved to laugh. Of all Donnie's hobbies and accomplishments he was most proud of his grandchildren; C.J., Justin, and Brady Fisher and loved spending any available time he had with them. Preceding Donnie in death are parents Alvin and Maggie Vales, his brother Lester Vales, and a sister Lilly Smith. He is survived by his wife Luci, his sons Tony Vales of Benton Harbor and Brian Marshall of Hartford, Michigan, his daughter Jennifer (Michael )Fisher of Mishawaka, Indiana and his three grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers; Alvin (Easter) Vales of Bardstown, Kentucky, Kenny Vales of Coloma, David Vales of Dowagiac, and two sisters Sandy (Dwayne) Reitz of Coloma, Jackie Goodwin of Stevensville, and four brothers-in-law Tom Smith of Coloma, Bob and (Karen) Wallace of Watervliet, Mark (Vickie) Wallace of Perrysburg, Ohio and Bill (Lisa) Wallace of Granger. In keeping with Donnie's wishes there will be a memorial service on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with a visitation two hours prior at Brown Funeral Home, Niles, Michigan. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the Disabled Veteran's Fund or the ALS Foundation. Condolences, messages, and photos may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.