Donald L. Lectka

Donald L. Lectka of Jackson, Michigan passed away Saturday, April 30 at Highland Assisted Living, at age 83.  He was the son of Walter and Allie Lectka.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Robert Lectka, William Versaw; nephew Jerry Joe Lairson, niece Karen Hirschman; sister-in-law Linda Lairson.  Don is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Maralyne; daughters Linda Miles and Jennifer Lectka; grandson Tavis Miles; great-granddaughter Tanis Rae Miles; special nephew James Hirschman; sister Joyce (Robert) Hirschman, brother-in-law William Lairson; several nieces, nephews and good friends.

Don honorably served in the Air Force.  In his younger years he was an American Legion Zouave enjoying their performances especially for young teens.  He was employed over 35 years at Fiat Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan.  He was a member of Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church where he served on the Hospitality Committee as a Sunday greeter.  He was a Past President of Cascades Lions Club, past Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge #50, and member of VFW #29.  Don was a loyal supporter of American Red Cross donating at least 120 pints of blood.  In his spare time he enjoyed restoring old cars, tractors and fire trucks.  During the time of our country’s loss in 2011, one of Don’s most satisfying projects was helping a good friend restore a horse drawn fire hose wagon, adapting it for New York City firemen and policemen to pull the coffin of a lost comrade to his final resting place.    He also enjoyed taking his 1957 Ford T-Bird to car shows and parades; through the years he was very fond of all dogs, especially his boxer Marta.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 4 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with a 7:30 pm Masonic Lodge of Sorrow all in the Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd. Jackson, Michigan. A service to remember and celebrate Don’s life will be held at 11am Thursday, May 5 in the Chapel at The Arbor Church,120 E. Main St., Spring Arbor, Michigan.  Interment and military honors will be at 2pm Thursday in the Chapel at Woodland Cemetery in Jackson, MI.  To honor Don the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 1768 Paintsville, KY 41240 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org.

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