Donald R. Michel III, age 66, passed away peacefully at his home on April 18, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.

Donald was born April 21, 1959, to Donald Jr. and Christina (Mitchell) Michel. From a young age, he developed a passion for motocross, spending his childhood and teenage years racing alongside his brother throughout the local area. His love for motocross never faded and remained a constant throughout his life.

After graduating from Doylestown High School in 1978, Donald began a career in construction, where he worked for many years before pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2000, he established his own graphics company, Pro Graph-X, specializing in motocross designs— blending his career with his lifelong passion. He proudly operated the business until selling it in 2014.

Donald married the love of his life, Catharine Mills, on July 18, 1981, at the Doylestown United Methodist Church. The two shared 44 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, dedication, and family. They moved into their family home in 1982, and in 1991 welcomed their greatest accomplishment—their son and Donald's best friend, Dylan—where they built a lifetime of cherished memories together.

Donald loved the outdoors and found great joy in fishing, especially muskie fishing. While he enjoyed trips to the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada, his most treasured destination was Lake St. Clair, Michigan, where he shared a cherished annual father-son fishing trip. Whether on the water or at home, Donald lived life with quiet strength and steady devotion to those he loved.

In his later years, Donald cherished his role as a grandfather. He found immense happiness in spending time with his grandchildren and watching his family grow.

Donald also had a deep love for animals, particularly dogs. He volunteered with Paws and Prayers Dog Shelter, where he gave his time and heart to helping animals in need. His beloved dogs—Ginseng, Dezee, Sasha, and Nova—were an important part of his life and brought him great companionship.

He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his hardworking nature, and his lifelong love of motocross—rarely missing an opportunity to watch the sport he loved.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Catharine; his son, Dylan (Jessica) Michel; and his cherished grandchildren, Clara Grace and Oakley Reed, who brought him his greatest joy. He is also survived by his siblings, Tim (Stephanie) Michel and Amanda (Mark) Wood; and many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.

A very special thank you to Jay Michel, Donnie Mills, Kelly Mills, and Zayne Mills for their support and care. Donald will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In honor of Donald's lifelong passions and love for animals, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to Paws and Prayers Dog Shelter . Mail-in donations may be sent to Paws and Prayers Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 67166, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 44222-7166.

In accordance with Donald's wishes, he will be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a later time.

Words of comfort may be shared with Donald's family on his tribute page at www.waitefuneralhome.com.