Donald J. Beelick, 84, of Springfield, passed away on October 1, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on March 16, 1942, the son of the late Lewis Beelick. Donald was raised, in part, by his grandmother, Mary Smith.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents; honorary grandparents Cornelius and Kathleen Lowe; brother, Delbert Beelick.
He is survived by his children, Andrew Beelick, Christine Beavers, Kietha (Lee) Bunch and Deanna (Rodney) Peters; grandchildren, Amanda Fair, Kala (Sergio) Quinones, Kalen Bunch, Jesse Peters, Jacob (Hayley Brown) Peters, Abbey (Jayden) Hoskins, Brevan Bunch, Natalee Peters and Addison Beelick; great-grandchildren, Sergio Quinones, Jr., Lillian Quinones, Beautiful Henderson, Keontray Franklin, Harlem Stewart, Brooklyn Stewart, J’Ontray Stewart, Queen Stewart, Cassidy Quinones and Dominic Peters; brother, Dale (Terry) Beelick; brother-in-law, Bill (Sarah) Decker; and many other loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Don retired from Wright State University, where he was a Philosophy Professor for over 39 years. In free time, he loved feeding the birds while at the same time trying to outsmart the squirrels. He always had a water gun on hand to chase them away from the feeders. He enjoyed traveling with family all over the world. He took up cooking in his later years. He loved comedy and he was very passionate about politics.
He took immense joy in family gatherings his favorite being the annual Easter Egg Hunt that he set up for his kids and grandkids. He would spend hours setting up the hunt…even color coding the eggs so everyone had the same amount of eggs. Don’s family and his students meant the world to him and he devoted his life to all of them. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of his Life will be held privately by the family.
To honor Don’s memory, the family requests that those wishing to do so, may go to their local Board of Elections and register to vote and exercise that right.
