Donald Harrell Obituary

Donald Lewis "Chiefy" Harrell

February 1, 1937 - July 5, 2025

On Saturday July 5, Our dad finally was out of his pain. He passed away sitting next to his loving wife of 65 years, Janet, This man was the handiest working man and provider, he had the strongest work ethics ever known which he handed down to all three of his children, Brenda, Rick and Gary.

Don was known as the "The best Fordman" in town. If you had an issue with your car, he was your man. His true love was his racing career which began in 1958, he was a chief mechanic on numerous winning teams. His greatest highlights, were winning the "1973" UASC Championship, "1978" Houiser Hundred and Liltle 500 "1966". Don Trailered all over the country and took part in the Australian Motor racing series a hobby. He loved to restore antique cars to their showroom condition. His Favorite, his "1940" Deluxe Ford

After Don retired from his racing career, he helped his sons Rick and Gary with their racing careers in which they both won championships with dads helps and support.

Don was a proud man of achievements and achievements especially of his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, proud grandfather.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, James Cleveland and Dorothy Catherine (Lewis) Harrell and great-grandson, Declan Russell.

Surviving are his loving wife, Janet; children, Brenda (Jeffrey) Patterson, Richard (Tracy Collins) Harrell, Gary (Shannon Anstine) Harrell and Dennis (Jackie) Bunn; grandchildren, Ernie Van Deilen, Kara Soss, Dana (Peter) Russell, Kirsten, Chase and Tryston Harrell; great-grandchildren, Hayden Van Deilen, Colton Soss, Cade Soss, Delaney Russell and Delilah Russell.

Visitation at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Road (at Jackman Rd.) Temperance, MI, will begin on Wednesday July 9, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm where services will be held on Thursday July 10, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Temperance, Michigan.

Special thanks to Remi and Dawn for their special care they gave our dad

pawlakfuneralhome.com