Donald Elliott

Donald R. Elliott, 85, of Traverse City passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Don was welcomed into heaven by his grandson, Beechie Miller.

Don was born on December 9, 1936 in Rudyard, Michigan to the late Orville and Frances Elliott. He grew up in Allegan, Michigan and was a graduate of Allegan High School. He then went on to serve our country in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged in 1957. Don returned to Allegan and married Bobbie Jones. They would have celebrated their 64th anniversary on December 27th.

In his early career, Don worked many years for Pickitt and Schreur. In 1985, he realized his dream and started his own business, Don Elliott Sand & Gravel, with his son Tad. After raising their family in Allegan, they moved the business to Traverse City to be closer to their children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.

Don loved his work. His hobby was his work. He never drove by a gravel pit without stopping to visit. He enjoyed helping out family, friends and neighbors with his equipment. Many times he would only except a pie for payment. He loved his sweets! Poundcake, bread pudding and blueberry pie were some of his favorites. One of his greatest loves was clearing his land with his bobcat while his grandchildren were sitting on his lap. It was always Papa who hid the eggs in the backyard for the Easter egg hunt for the great-grandchildren. Don never called anyone by their real name. He had a nickname for everyone.

Don leaves behind his wife Bobbie, children Tad Elliott, Maris (Danny) Miller and Amy Elliott, all of Traverse City, and Cinda (Mike) Stukel of Fleming Island, Florida; grandchildren Jacob (Katherine) Miller, Molly Stukel, Michael (Stephanie) Stukel, and Matthew Stukel; great-grandchildren Charlotte, Deacon and Dean Miller, Michael III “Tripp”, Ella and Emma Stukel; his sister Pat (Bob) Pullen; in-laws Rinda Patton, Ed (Sue) Jones, Mike (Jeri) Jones, Jane (Tom) Lockwood and many nieces and nephews. He was Uncle Don and Grandpa Don to so many friends.

Don was also preceded in death by his brother Cliff Elliott, in-laws Zeb and Irene Jones, Jan and Gene Cernan, Tom Patton, Pat Jones and many blessed family and friends.

The family will celebrate Big D’s life privately.

The family would like to thank all the Munson Hospice staff and Munson Hospice House staff for their tender loving care. Memorial contributions in Don’s memory can be made to the Munson Hospice, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your memories.