Submitted by: Dan Rich
June 12, 1926 - Nov. 28, 2007
South Bend Tribune 12/2/2007
SOUTH BEND - Marion "Red"
Donathen, 81, of South Bend, passed away after a long illness
on Nov. 28, 2007, in Memorial Hospital. Red was born on June 12,
1926, in Mishawaka, to the late Howard and Dorothy (Miles)
Donathen. Red returned to Mishawaka after serving his country in
the Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946.
He then married his sweetheart, Delores Beasecker,
and they shared 58 years of devoted commitment to each other.
Delores passed away in 2004. Surviving are two sons, Michael
Donathen of Irons, MI, and Dennis (Kiisha) Donathen of Granger,
IN; and a daughter, Paula (Bob) Schumaker of Mishawaka.
Red was a loving grandfather to three grandchildren, Dawna of
Mishawaka, Dennis (Kim) Donathen of Canada and Michael (Tracy)
Donathen of Michigan. Red was also a great-grandfather to seven
great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Beverly (George)
Brumley of Arkansas.
Red retired from Uniroyal after 37 years of
service. He was a member of the Michiana Miniature Doll House
Association. He was known for his work with the "little
things"; he built many houses and helped restore a
historical one that is on display in the Bristol museum. He was
also a member of the Hoosier Model A Club, working on and
restoring old cars with his son. He was a member at the Harris
Prairie Church of Christ where he earned the nickname "Mr.
Red" given to him by the children he loved and they loved
him in return, during his assisted teaching in the Wee Worship
Sunday School class. Red and Delores later became members of
Fairland Church in Niles, MI. Their last place of worship was the
Northway Church of Christ in South Bend, until they were no
longer able to attend.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4
p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N.
Main St., Mishawaka. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m.,
with the Rev Ed Erskin officiating. Burial will be at the Harris
Township Cemetery, Granger IN. Memorial contributions may be made
to the local Salvation Army.