Obituary of Donald Allin Webster, Sr.

Donald Allin Webster July 18, 1928 – April 24, 2021 Donald Allin Webster, age 92 of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away April 24, 2021. Mr. Webster was born in Madison County, Alabama. It was there he met his wife, and lifelong partner, Lina Ruth Lamb. He grew up on a farm with a very large family, but he was called to move north after he got married. He and his wife moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1948 where he found employment with Ford Motor Company. After about a year he took a new position with Schafer Bakeries, who soon offered him a transfer to their bakery in Kalamazoo in 1953. He moved his growing family there, bought a house, and ultimately passed away in that same home. Donald worked for Schafer Bakeries for 39 years, affectionately known as "The Mayor," before retiring in 1990. After retirement he continued to enjoy life tending his garden, traveling back to Alabama to visit his best friend and brother Dewey, and "going to work" 3-5 days a week. Going to work meant going to the casino where he loved to play blackjack but would occasionally dabble at craps and slots. He could tell you how much he won or lost on any given day (less gas money,) and whether or not he got a free buffet that day. Mr. Webster is preceded in death by his wife Ruth, siblings: Marvin, Dewey, Kathryn, Ben, Margie, and son Donald Jr. Donald is survived by siblings: Mary, Nolan, and Harry; children: Jeannie Webster Brizendine, and David (Jackie) Webster; grandchildren: Bruce, Becky, Daniel, Lee, Aaron, and Ryan; great­grandchildren: Ryan, Collin, Carter, Lee Jr., Mason, Mackenna, Jeremiah, Ivy, Christian, Riley, Drew, and Harrison. To all the grandkids and greats, he will always be "Poppy!"