Mr. Donald J. Edson, Sr., age 69 of Newaygo, and formerly of Pontiac died Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at his home. He was born Donald J. Edson in Pontiac, the son of Dorothy (Spencer) and J. C. Edson on January 10, 1937. He married Donna Elizabeth Stocker Barefoot on July 1, 1972 in Union Lake, Michigan. He was a Welder of maintenance for Truck & Bus GMA, Pontiac, until his retirement in 2000 after 29 years.

He is survived by his wife Donna Edson, his children Debra Edson of Pontiac, Sandra Edson of Rochester, Donald J. Edson, Jr. of Auburn Hills, his stepchildren Vicky & Douglas Zerlaut, Jerry & Vickie Smith all of Fremont, Doug Barefoot of Newaygo, Brenda Barefoot of Waterford, 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, his brother Charles & Kathy Edson of White Lake, sister Rosie & Mike Czarnecki of Onstead, step-father Arthur Kalliainin, step-brother Ronald Kalliainin, step-sister Helen Mangus all of Tennessee. He was preceded in death by granddaughter Christina.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM from the McKinley Grant Chapel, on Saturday, September 16, 2006 with Pastor Paul Feurstein officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. For Memorials please consider Heartland Hospice. Military honors are under the auspices of the VFW Post #4249 of Newaygo at the Bridgeton Cemetery near Grant.

McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231-834-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com