Donald Lykins

Donald Lykins, 77, of South Haven, Michigan died Monday, September 4, 2006 at his home.

He was born March 16, 1929 in Portsmouth, Ohio to John Sherman and Nora B. (Kinney) Lykins. Don served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Don married Margaret Taylor on March 2, 1990 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Don began his career in Columbus, Indiana, at the Cummins Engine Company as a management trainee. After 13 years he moved his family to South Haven, Michigan in 1960 to work for Lovejoy, Inc as Vice President and Plant Manager retiring in 1993. He immersed himself in the community, serving on many boards and committees, among them school committees, the City Planning Commission, Kiwanis, the Industrial Fund, LDFA, Hospice Board, and served as President of the Chamber of Commerce during which time he helped start the first Blueberry Festival. His desire was to help the city grow which he did by starting several businesses on the side, the South Haven Motel, the North View and Applewood housing developments, and facilitated the development of Phoenix Square Shopping Center and surrounding property. Don spent even more time in the service of the Lord. A lay minister, he served as the first Branch President of the South Haven Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 7 years and as the first Stake President of the Kalamazoo Stake of the Church for 7 ½ years, traveling to all parts of southwest Michigan serving the people he loved so much. Don Lykins will be remembered for his unconditional love and service to others.

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his first wife – Catherine Lykins who died in 1989.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Lykins. Two sons – Stephen (Leigh) Lykins of Davenport, Iowa and David A. (Lisa) Lykins of Indiana. Two daughters – Anne E. (Les) Adkins of Holland, Michigan and Barbara J. (Chuck) Miller of Prescott, Arizona. 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 14, from 6 to 8 PM at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Visitation will also be Friday, September 15, from 5 to 7 PM at the Reed – Jewell Funeral Home in Columbus, Indiana. Graveside services will be Saturday, September 16, at Garland Brook Cemetery at 10:00 AM with Bishop Melvin Lykins officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to South Haven Area Hospice or Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.