Donald Lee Priest

Don was a teacher and then a principal in the Albion School District until 1970 when the family moved to Belleville. Don was a principal at West Willow and then Tyler Elementary in the Van Buren School District until his retirement. In the 1960's, Don donated a kidney to his sister Barb at U of M Hospital which lasted for 30 years before she needed another transplant.. He ran a number of marathons over the years including the Detroit International Marathon and the Boston Marathon. Don was also a member of the Belleville First United Methodist church for many years.

Don and Marj built a new home on Pickerel Lake in Springvale township in northern Michigan in 1989 and moved there permanently in 2005. He and Marj traveled extensively around the US with their travel trailer, and enjoyed trips to Australia, Egypt, Europe, England, Hawaii, and Alaska. Don and Marj were married for over 67 years before she passed away in December 2024.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at Pickerel Lake including fishing, boating, family campfires, and giving rides on his Kubota tractor. He was a loving father, grandfather, and Papa (great-grandfather) to his family.

Don is survived by daughter Julie (Mike) Skelton, son Mark (Carrie ) Priest, grandchildren Jennifer (Dave) Daigneau, Scott (Megan) Skelton, Connor (Natalie) Priest, and Danielle Priest, and great-grandchildren Ayla and Adelyn Daigneau, Mason and Lucy Skelton, and Penelope Priest.

According to his wishes, dignified cremation rites have been completed.

A memorial service is planned for 11AM on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Petoskey United Methodist Church, 1804 E Mitchell Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770 with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan.