Donald J. Fate, 85 of Battle Creek, died Saturday, June 18, 2011 at his home. He was born June 6, 1926 in Remus, Michigan the son of Alex and Vio (Harrigan) Fate. Don served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a member of V.F.W. Post 2335 in Mecosta, Michigan. On February 5, 1948 he was married to Teressa E. (Stine) who preceded him in death on July 24, 2006. Don retired from Post Cereal in 1981 where he was a member of the 25 year club. He was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and watching Tiger baseball. Surviving are two daughters: Mary (Jim) Williams of Battle Creek and Sharla (Merwin) Wygant of Plymouth; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one sister: Phyllis Simon of Lansing. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one sister: Ilene Hunt and one brother: Joe Fate. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at St. Philip Catholic Church with The Rev. Charles H. Fischer officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to the church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
