Donald Lee Bay, age 85, of Clare, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. He was born the son of Clarence and Elizabeth (Allen) Bay on Sept. 28, 1938, in Sheridan Township. He married Betty J. Swartz on Feb. 14, 1959, in Barryton, Michigan. Betty preceded him in death on Sept. 26, 2012. Don had been a Carpenter and Farmer and lived his entire life in Clare. He had been employed by Holley Carburetor and Seiter Construction and was self employed as a farmer. Don had been a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, first in Clare and recently in Harrison. He was a big promoter of the Clare Rod and Gun Club, where he was also a member. He had enjoyed: hunting, woodworking, farming, Trap shooting, playing cards, and hanging out with his friends at the Clare-Farwell American Legion.
Donald is survived by his children, Tamey Lee (Will) Knapp of Texas, Donald Bay of Clare, Belinda Sue (Ronald) Lane of Pennsylvania, and Bettie Eileen (Jay) Ricolo of Clare, Seven Grandchildren, several Great-grandchildren, his longtime companion, Dianna Lee, and two sisters, Sharon Renny of Grant, Mi., and Betty Haynes of Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, three brothers, Larry, Norris, and Loren, and two Great-granddaughters, Amelia Rose Ricolo and Jessica Nicole Knapp.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 12 Noon at the Eagle Church of God, 7087 E. Dover Rd., Clare, Mi., 48617. Friends may meet with his family on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11 AM till Noon on Wednesday at the church. A luncheon will follow the funeral service and burial will take place in the Cherry Grove Cemetery in Clare. Memorials may be directed to his family.