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Donald A. Nichols
Born: 4/19/1942
Died: 12/8/2025
Age: 83
Community: Fenton, MI
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Donald A. Nichols, age 83, of Fenton, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025 surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held at 4pm until 8pm on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Home - Fenton Chapel. Visitation will resume the following day at 9:30am until the time of the Memorial Service at 10:30am on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road. Those unable to attend the Memorial Service may watch it live streamed on his obituary page found on the Sharp Funeral Home website. Those wishing to write online condolences may do so by visiting his obituary page found at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. Donations may be made in Donald's name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (http://t2t.org/donate/). Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.
Donald was born on April 19, 1942, in Massillon, Ohio, to the late Arvine and Irene (Crowe) Nichols. He grew up in Ada, Ohio graduating from Ada High School. He married his high school sweetheart Lonnie Sue Boutwell on February 14, 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, devotion and friendship. In 1972, they settled in Fenton, where they lovingly raised their five children and shared an extraordinary 66 years of marriage.
Donald’s lifelong love of computer programming shaped every chapter of his professional journey. He began his career as a cooperative engineering student at General Motors Institute, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964, and soon after completed his MA in Business Administration from Michigan State University. Though he briefly returned to Buick Motor Division as a production foreman in Final Assembly, his true calling emerged the following year when he joined IBM Corporation as a Systems Engineer. At IBM, he found great fulfillment working closely with the General Motors Parts Division and Dow Chemical Company, immersing himself in the evolving world of computing and system design. Driven by a genuine passion for programming and innovation, Donald founded DNA Systems Inc. in 1968. Creating the company was one of his proudest achievements. DNA Systems was built on his vision of delivering contract programming services and system software support for companies such as IBM, Mayo Clinic, Pan-am and Aramco. As CEO and President for 17 years, he poured his heart into the work, mentoring others and helping businesses embrace new technologies. In 1985, Donald returned to the automotive field with EDS at Buick Motor Division, contributing his technical expertise in many areas. His talents were in high demand and he was promoted to a Regional and Divisional manager of Buick, Cadillac, and Saturn. When Donald eventually stepped away from corporate life, he continued to share his knowledge and skills while working alongside his family at Aqua Sport Marine, Inc for an additional 30 years. Even in retirement, computers and programming remained one of his greatest joys.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing in men's softball leagues and racquetball with friends. As much as Donald accomplished in his career, the pride and joy of his life were his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Living on Silver Lake, Donald and Lonnie raised 5 children and knitted a close loving family with each generation. As a family they enjoyed the beautiful Michigan summers boating, water skiing, evening campfires, and quality family time. Donald and Lonnie always had an open-door policy for friends, extended family, and acquaintances to share their home and love. Donald was also a lifetime member of the Silver Lake Ski Club and Ohio State Buckeye fan.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lonnie; 5 children, Jennifer (George) Hameline, Stacey (Garret) Brancheau, Douglas (Christie Hanoute) Nichols, Rachelle (Graham) Ashcroft and Jeffery (Lisa) Nichols; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Thomas, Austin, Connor, Booker, Riley, Callan, Jaycee, Dylyn and Jake; 9 great grandchildren (with a 10th arriving in June); sister, Gloria (John) McCreight and many other nieces, nephews and other family members too numerous to list but never forgotten. |
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| Visitation |
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12/12/2025 |
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4:00 PM |
| 4pm-8pm |
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| Funeral Service |
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12/13/2025 |
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10:30 AM |
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| Location: |
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Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road
Fenton, MI 48430Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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