Obituary of Donald Ervin Queen Sr.

Donald Ervin Queen was born on June 3, 1931 in Cordell, Oklahoma. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Chester Queen and the late Anna (Malone) Queen. At the age of six, Donald was stricken with typhoid fever in which he became legally blind and had lost his mother to the same disease. The family then moved from Oklahoma to California. Even with only a sixth grade education, Donald didn’t allow any obstacle hold him back. He learned the value of hard work as a child. He worked several jobs picking cotton, working as a janitor, and painting. He would meet his future wife the former Deloris Bergum by writing letters in a handicap club. A wonderful family man he cherished the time that he spent with his family. He enjoyed caring for the needs of his father-in-law. Donald made a good living and prided himself on caring for their needs. He moved to Monroe to take employment as a custodian, working through Goodwill Industries at Detroit Edison. Donald retired in 2000 after more than ten years of service. A born again Christian, Donald loved God, his church family, and Gospel music. He received his nourishment as a longtime member of Gateway Anabaptist Church of Monroe. Donald loved to walk miles a day. In his early years, he was a regular participant in the March of Dimes walk-a-thon. Donald Sr., age 85, of Monroe passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Magnum Care of Monroe. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a son: Dana Queen in 2012; a sister: Joy Thomason; and wife: Deloris (Bergum) Queen. To cherish his memory, Donald leaves two sons: Donald Queen Jr. of Newport and Douglas (Charleen) Queen of Brownstown; daughter-in-law: Laura Queen of Madison Heights; his sister: Carolyn (Bob) Phelps of California; his step sister: Gladys (Larry) Hughes of Tulare, California; four grandchildren: Donny Queen and Timothy Queen of Tennessee, Brandon Queen of Brownstown, and Amber Queen of Warren; and two great grandchildren: Alexis and Skylar Queen of Tennessee Friends may gather from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 with Pastor Dan Hardin of Gateway Anabaptist Church officiating. Burial will take place on Wednesday, February 15 at Michigan Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested to Anabaptist Church of Monroe. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.