Obituary of Donald Harold Gilliland

GILLILAND, Donald Harold of Saginaw, Michigan, Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2011. He was 80 years old. Donald was born on June 4, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of the late Harold F. and Isabel H. (Coulter) Gilliland. He graduated from Saginaw High School, class of 1949. Donald married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Lois Waack, his loving wife of 56 years, on January 22, 1955 in Saginaw. She survives him. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Donald retired from CSX railroad after 42 years of service. He was a life member of Saginaw Lodge #77 F&AM, Bay City Consistory, and Elf Khurafeh Shrine Temple, where he was a life member of the Arab Patrol, and the Legion of Honor. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 439, and the Moose Lodge # 82. Surviving him besides his wife, Colleen, are a daughter, Doreen L. (Rick) LeVasseur of Auburn; two grandchildren: Adam and Laura LeVasseur; and two brothers: Robert (Linda) Gilliland and Daniel Gilliland of Saginaw. Also surviving are several nephews, a niece, and many dear and close friends. FUNERAL: Donald's Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Donald K. Ault will officiate. Military honors and burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery under the auspices of American Legion Post 439. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A Masonic Memorial Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening under the direction of the Saginaw Lodge #77 F&AM. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Shriner's Crippled Children Transportation Fund. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.