Obituary of Donald Keck

Donald Barton Keck was born in Monroe, Michigan on June 6, 1936. He was one of five children born from the union of the late Bart and Stella (Fortner) Keck. Donald attended Monroe Schools graduating from the high school with the Class of 1954. He was affectionately known as "Puff". He met the love of his life the former Dorothy (Needham) Love while working for Kroger. The couple was joined in marriage on May 21, 1965 in Monroe. Together they would raise three children. Don led his family by example and was an extremely hard worker. He began his career with Kroger as a bagger/stock boy. He would work his way up eventually becoming the Grocery Manager before retiring on May 22, 1993 after forty years of service. Don was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting small game and deer. For many years he enjoyed his Northern Michigan cabins in Curtisville and Baldwin; taking advantage of boating, camping, and snowmobiling. Don loved participating in sports and had played fast pitch softball, basketball, and golf. In his free time he liked to catch a Detroit Tiger game. "Puff" had a great sense of humor and was a practical jokester and prankster. Don never met a stranger and his positive, generous attitude was always welcome to those around him. Donald Barton Keck, age 78, of Monroe passed away at Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania, Ohio at 1:15am on Friday, April 24, 2015. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by three sisters: infant: Helen Keck, Daisy England, and Virginia Cline; and one brother: Ronald Keck. To cherish his memory Donald leaves his beloved wife of nearly fifty years: Dorothy Keck of Monroe; three children: Danny "Ronnie" (Jane) Love of Monroe, Mike (Jill) Love of Monroe, and Victoria "Vicki" Keck of Lincoln, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 6:00pm, Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Monday, April 27, 2015 also at Merkle's with Reverend Larry Head pastor of Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.