Donald William Wallen

     Donald "Don" William Wallen, age 79, passed away peacefully Saturday April 11, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

     A visitation will be held for Don on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Smith Family Funeral Homes in Elsie, MI, from 2:00-8:00 P.M with the family present from 2:00-4:00 P.M and 6:00-8:00 P.M. Military Honors will be held at 2:00 P.M., and a time of sharing will be held at 7:00 P.M.

     Born January 13, 1947, to Arthur and Marie (Dancer) Wallen, Don grew up on a family farm with seven siblings in the southwest corner of Saginaw County.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Duane Wallen.

     Don graduated from Ashley Community Schools with the class of 1965. He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 doing one tour in Vietnam.

     Don married his wife Carol Woolston of 54 years on December 18, 1971. They had two sons, Don (Phyllis Grasley) Wallen Jr. of Texas, and Joe (Daina Lombard) Wallen; five grandchildren: Breanna Wallen, Nathan Wallen, and Heather Wallen of Texas, Kera (Chris) Snyder, and Joseph Wallen; two great-grandchildren: Riverlynn Snyder, and Paisley Snyder.

     Despite Don's ongoing health problems after  his military service, he worked 35 years for Owosso's Georgia Pacific (formerly Olincraft and Mansville) in maintenance and in the shipping department. He drove semi-trucks transporting product.

     Over the years, Don enjoyed hunting, snow mobiling, and riding motorcycles. He belonged to the Hour Gang Camping Club and the Mid Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association.

     Don will be forever loved and missed deeply.

     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.