Donald E. Comfort

Donald E. Comfort, 69, of Onaway, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 at McLaren Hospital in Flint.

Born in Cheboygan February 9, 1949, Don was the son of William Jr. and Dorothy (Barager) Comfort. A lifelong resident of Onaway, Don graduated from Onaway High School in 1967 and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. It was during an ice storm that he stopped to help a young lady, Janice L. Kosmatin, who would later become his wife September 14, 1974.  Blessed with 44 years of marriage, Don and Janice made their home and raised their family in Onaway.

A familiar face at the Onaway Area Community Schools, Don worked as a custodian, bus driver and the director of maintenance. He retired in September of 2017 after 40 years. He was dedicated to his job, always making sure the school was ready for the students, teachers and staff. Devoted to his Christian faith, Don was an active member of the First Baptist Church, serving as an usher and previously as a deacon. Don also was a member of the Black Lake Sportsmen’s Club.

An avid outdoorsman, Don enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He loved reading his Louis L’Amour novels and was master of the grill.  A skilled carpenter and handyman, Don could fix just about anything. From home repairs to vehicle repairs, Don always got the job done.  Best described as a great guy, Don had a wonderful sense of humor, a hearty laugh and was fun to be around. He loved kidding and teasing all in good fun. His kind heart was full of love for his family, his church, and his community and he had a special place in his heart for children.  He was a faithful and loving husband to Jan, a supportive father and a proud grandfather. And though he will be sadly missed, Don’s big grin and that twinkle he had in his eye will make us smile when we think of him.

Surviving Don is his wife, Janice, of Onawa

y; sons, Jeffrey (Nikki) of Ocqueoc and Micah of Onaway; daughters, Cathryn (Justin) Heath of Holt and Melissa Furby of Novi; and   grandchildren, Alex, Bryce, Todd, Jaclyn, Noel and Madison. Don also leaves his sisters, Sandra Freel of Millersburg and Rebecca (Alger) Arkwood of Onaway; brothers, Ronald (Therese) of Atlanta, Everett (Toni) of Granville, Ohio and Nicky (Ann) of Waterford; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Dorothy Comfort; an infant brother, Craig; a sister, Sallie Beatty; and brothers-in-law, Ron Beatty and Dean Freel.

Visitation was from 4 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 8,  at the Chagnon Funeral Home. Don’s funeral service will be at the Onaway High School today (Thursday, August 9) at 11 a.m.  The Revs. Josh Ferraiuolo and Ken Haley will officiate. Don’s final resting place will be at Elmwood Cemetery where Onaway Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5857 will have military honors. Those planning an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Don Comfort Memorial Fund to help youth in the community. Donations can be made at Citizens National Bank or Chagnon Funeral Home.