Age 71

Beloved husband of Joan. Dear father of Keith Arai, Stacey (Eric) Fifer, and Angie (Vince) Omodio. Loving grandfather of Haley (Omar), Colin, Brooke, Mackenzie, and Eric Jr. Brother of James (Anita) Toor, Charlotte (Mike) Carosio, Joseph (Audrey)Toor, and Michael (Virginia) Toor.

Don Toor sadly left us and this world behind on June 30, 2025, thus ending his 10-month battle with lung cancer.

Don's story began in Detroit, Michigan, where he was born and lived with his mom, dad, and older brother, Jimmy. The family stayed in Detroit for two years before moving to Garden City, Michigan, which was his sweet spot and the source of all his childhood experiences. The family expanded with the birth of his only sister, Charlotte, and brothers Joseph and Michael. Unfortunately, his father, James Toor Sr., passed away when Don was just 15. This event was significant in his life, as he assumed the role of protector—a fighter for his family. That role became his trademark, one he carried with pride and applied to every relationship throughout his life.

At the age of 20, Don worked for Wolf Aircraft. He often said it was the toughest job he had ever had, but it was the job that built the work ethic for which he would become known. During that time, he met and started dating Joan, who had a young son, Keith, from a previous marriage.

Don's career at General Motors began when an opportunity opened at the Fisher Body Plant in Livonia, where his Uncle, Joe, and Aunt, Sharon, both worked. Little did he know it would mark the start of a 43-and-a-half-year journey with GM. Over the decades, he moved from one plant to another, building lifelong friendships and earning the deep respect of his coworkers. Don became a legend at General Motors, renowned for his exceptional work ethic, determination, and relentless drive to deliver results. His legacy left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to work alongside him.

Don and Joan were married on September 11, 1976, and had one daughter, Stacey, whom Don often said was his greatest accomplishment in his life. He was blessed when Stacey and his daughter-in-law, Angie, gave life to his five diamond grandchildren—each one a treasure in his eyes. From the very beginning, he stood as their protector, guiding them with love, strength, and a heart full of pride every step of the way.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Don appreciated every game, but his heart always belonged to the Detroit Lions, his favorite team. No matter the sport, he found joy in it and always did his best to attend every one of his family's sporting events, cheering them on with unwavering pride. He was a natural athlete who played baseball and was an avid golfer; he once bowled a perfect 300 game, earning a ring to commemorate the achievement. Don had a knack for nearly every sport he tried and brought the same determination and passion to the field, the lanes, or the course as he did to everything else in life.

His care and love encompassed his extended family and circle of friends. Don's life philosophy was simple but powerful: treat every person with the love, dignity, and respect you wish to receive. His greatest strength was a genuine interest in others. His secret formula for winning people over was meeting them exactly where they were in life, engaging in genuine conversation, immersing himself in their world, and making each person feel like the most special one in the world. Once Don brought you into his heart, he never let go and always had your back.

Don was also a man of deep faith. His unwavering belief in God sustained him through life's many challenges and brought him peace during his most difficult days. Don promised that he would always watch over us, no matter where he was.

Memorial Visitation Thursday, July 10th, 1 pm – 8 pm. Memorial Service Friday, July 11th, 10am at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.