Donald Kinkade

Obituary of Donald Paul-Lee Kinkade

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Donald Paul-Lee Kinkade or “Dee” as he was affectionately called by many was born on May 6, 1968 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He was one of four children born to the union of Donald and Barbara (Dubue) Kinkade.  Dee attended Dundee High School in Dundee, Michigan, graduating with the class of 1986.

On August 29, 1998, in Maybee, Michigan Donald married the love of his life; the former Bonnie LaVigne.  Together the couple was blessed to raise five sons: Jesse, Christopher, Kenneth, Harley, and Sean.  Donald spent much of his working career as a long, hauling truck driver with Bonnie in the seat right next to him. He was very proud to have driven over one million miles in his career and the opportunity to travel to the forty-eight continental United States.  Of all the miles driven and places explored, Montana was the state that the couple enjoyed the most. 

Donald loved fishing anywhere he was able to cast a line, and Lewiston, Michigan was his favorite place to hunt deer.  Donald and Bonnie also enjoyed camping and canoeing down the Au Sable River.  He was quite fond of his four-legged, fur baby, named Blossom a Pitbull mix.  Dee often stated Blossom was the closet that he came to having a daughter.

Donald Paul-Lee Kinkade, age 55 of Maybee, Michigan passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday; September 10, 2023 with his loving wife and family by his side.  His passing was preceded by his father: Donald Kinkade; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and his Aunt June “Junebug”.

To cherish Donald’s memory he leaves his loving wife of twenty-five years: Bonnie Kinkade of Maybee, Michigan; five sons; Jesse Mclaughlin of Monroe, Christopher (Erin) McLaughlin of Temperance, Michigan, Kenneth (Kristin) Shipe of Blissfield, Michigan, Harley Shipe of Maybee, and Sean Govan of Monroe; his mother: Barbara Kinkade; a sister: Denise Hartwig of Dundee, two brothers: Danual Kinkade of Auburn Hills, and Dennis (Sara) Kinkade of Florida; four grandchildren: Preston and Eve McLaughlin and Lou and Kole Shipe; and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

No public services are planned at this time. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

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