Donald "Don" Truman Beatty

Donald T. “Don” Beatty of Traverse City passed away on April 2, 2026. The son of Lesley and Henrietta (Dwelle) Beatty, he was born on February 25, 1927 in Kelleys Island, Ohio, where his father was a commercial fisherman. In 1984, after 30 years of teaching, Don retired as a Professor of Technology from Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor. After retirement he split his time between Irons, Michigan, and St. James City, Florida, and enjoyed many happy years of retirement with his wife Mary Ellen. In 2022, he moved to Traverse City to be closer to his son Tom.

Don attended the United Methodist Church for many years, most recently in Lake Ann, MI, and he and Mary Ellen were founding members of the Covenant Community United Methodist Church in Baldwin. He served in the Navy during World War II and was a Life Member of The American Legion, at one time serving as Chaplain of the Baldwin Post. After his retirement Don did volunteer work, including building houses with Habitat for Humanity.

Don had a lifetime love of the outdoors, where he hunted, fished, and picked mushrooms. However, deer hunting was his favorite activity, and November 15th was, undoubtedly, his favorite day of the year. Don loved Alaska, visiting there nine times, including three summers when he and Mary Ellen served as Camp Hosts at a state forest campground.

Don had a thirst for knowledge and an amazing memory. In particular, he seemed to have an encyclopedic knowledge of history and geography. He could also recite, from memory, poetry that was many stanza’s long and knew the lyrics to every popular song from the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Don and Mary Ellen were often described as “The Nicest People” and made friends wherever they went. Even in his advanced years and infirmity, Don continued to put others before himself. He went out of his way to make others feel good, he had a quick wit, and he loved to tell jokes. He was a special guy, and his good humor will be missed, particularly by the wonderful staff at French Manor Terra where he lived.

Don was preceded in death by his brothers Clyde “Zip” and Karl “Tubby” Beatty; Wife, Mary Ellen (Morgan); and son William Beatty. Surviving are his sister Ruth Verber; children Thomas (Tina) Beatty and Sarah “Sally” (Roger) Hubbell; Grandchildren Jeff Hubbell, Eric (Trixie) Hubbell, and Aisling (Vivian) Beatty; Great Grandson Shane (MacKenzie Meadows) Hubbell; and Great Great Granddaughter Charlotte Hubbell.