Donald John Way

Donald John Way, a beloved family man and friend, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on May 14, 1934, in Mulliken, Michigan to the late John R. and Madelyn (Kerstetter), he was a proud graduate of Grand Ledge High School, Class of 1952. Following graduation Don enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He was Honorably Discharged in 1955. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to enrich the Grand Ledge business community. Don was integral to the establishment of the following during his career: One Hour Martinizing, Log Jam Inn, Clothes Press Cleaners, and the Corner Cone. His expertise in the dry cleaning industry led him to a career with the Michigan Department of Public, Occupational Health Division as an inspector of dry-cleaning business throughout the state. Volunteerism was an attribute of Don's and evidenced in his membership with the Michigan Jaycees, Grand Ledge Business Association, National Institute of Dry Cleaners, and Michigan Institute of Dry Cleaners. Don supported Grand Ledge Athletics through business sponsorships and as a loyal fan particularly of Comet baseball. He followed the Detroit Tigers and MSU Spartan athletics. He served as a volunteer usher for MSU football games for a number of years. If there was time to relax, there were summer weekend trips to the family cottage. Don was the speedboat captain making laps round lake pulling anyone who would waterski. He leaves behind his wife, Diane Drewes Way, and his son, Eric Way, along with daughter-in-law Cheryl Way. He also cherished his daughters: Cynthia Way, Leslie Bek, and Mary Lynne Young, and son-in-law, Rodney Young. Don was a proud grandfather to Luke (Cathy) Way, Jake (Bethany) Way, Matthew (Nahla) McKenzie, Melissa (Dan) Delaney, and Ian Bek. He was especially delighted to be a great-grandfather to Andrew Way, Ashley Way, Alexander Way, Calli Priest, Thalia Priest, Teddy McKenzie, William McKenzie, Reese Delaney, and Maizy Delaney; sister-in-law, Jill MacNaughton; special nephew, Jeff (Christina) MacNaughton. Donald was preceded in death by: his first wife, Janet MacNaughton Way on May 20, 1996; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Clyde Hazen, brother-in-law, Ron MacNaughton, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Laurel Drewes. To celebrate Don's life, a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, visitation 10:00 AM service 11:00 AM at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Interment with military honors will follow at Meadowbrook Cemetery, Mulliken. Don's warmth and humor will be missed by all who knew him. He has left a legacy of love that will never be forgotten. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 (https://bit.ly/460WCxD) or VFW National Home 3573 South Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 (https://vfwnationalhome.org/donate/). Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com

Donald John Way

May 14, 1934 - March 25, 2026