Robert Blaine Donders, known to those close to him as Toad or Bob, passed away at his home, near Barryton, on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at the age of 99. He was born on May 18, 1917, at home in Lake, MI, to Dr. Albert and Elizabeth (Barnes) Donders. Just prior to serving 4 years in the Army during WWII, he worked in the Alaskan goldmines. After returning from the war in 1945, he was a truck driver and mechanic in the Coldwater Oilfields east of Barryton for 18 years. Following the closing of the oilfield, Robert joined the AFL-CIO Operating Engineers Local 324 providing a specialty as a bulldozer operator for 45 years, working for various companies on regional projects for gas pipeline construction, as well as others. One noted experience was that while building dikes in Bay City for a dredging project, he uncovered an ancient Native American burial site that had eluded historians for years, a highly celebrated discovery. Robert was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1945 after serving in the European-African-Middle Eastern theater, involved in campaigns in N. Africa and Italy, the last being the North Apennines Po Valley Rome-Arno. He was a tractor driver in the 3605th QM Truck Company, delivering munitions. His unit was highly decorated for their record of timely delivery of needed supplies. Commendations: American Defense Service Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal.

He married the late Oneta Scott, living near Barryton and doing most everything together, sharing the enthusiasm of exploring the wonders of North America. Robert was a true outdoorsman with a deep love of nature and all it provided. He was a highly skilled marksman with pistol, shotgun and rifle. He had exceptional skills as a hunter, trapper and fisherman, and enjoyed catching an 8" bluegill as much as a 30 lb. salmon. He was known for being able to "fix" anything and when he couldnt find the tool or device he needed, he would make it. Oneta and Robert taught their children how to live off of the land by hunting, trapping, fishing, gardening and canning. Robert had extraordinary strength, both physically and in character. He was a true mans man.

He is survived by children: Kayla (Lyman) Richter of Sears, MI; Shirley "Cookie" (Larry) Squires of Mosca, CO; Marcia (Arthur) Machado of Crockett, CA; Duane of Sun City, AZ; Dennis of Remus, MI and Christina (Randy) Reisig of Saginaw, MI; a daughter-in-law Linda Donders of Lake, MI; seventeen grandchildren, many many great and great-great grandchildren and many extended family and friends who will not forget knowing him nor the things they learned from him.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Oneta in July 2016; son, Leonard; grandson, Ronald Richter; siblings, Mable Donders, Mary Donders, Leonard Donders and Charles Donders.

The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Dar Howard officiating. Interment will be at Garfield Township Cemetery in Lake.

In honor of Oneta, memorial donations in Roberts name can be made to The Donders Family to be given to an organization of their choosing to assist cancer patients with diagnosis and treatment. Funeral Service Friday, January 6, 2017 01:00 PM Daggett Funeral Home 19238 30th Ave Barryton,MI 49305 The family will greet friends Friday, January 6, 2017 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM Daggett Funeral Home 19238 30th Ave Barryton,MI 49305