Donald G. Kilgore

Donald G. Kilgore, 71, of Berrien Springs, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019, at his home.

A Memorial Service for Don will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at the American Legion Post 85, 112 N. Bluff Street, Berrien Springs. There will be a 21-gun salute and a Fire Department service outside of the Legion. Online memories may be shared at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Don was born June 19, 1947, in Benton Harbor, the son of Donald J. and Catherine (Triplet) Kilgore. He was by far Red Hen Turf Farm’s longest-tenured employee. Don started working for Red Hen while he was in high school, when the farm was originally owned by the Keigley and Hetler families and still located in Berrien Springs. Red Hen was founded in 1957, and moved to New Carlisle, Indiana, in 1964, and purchased by the Millar Family in 1983 when the original owners retired from the business. Don started working for Red Hen in 1967 or so, and after graduating from high school, he bravely served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War before returning home and establishing Red Hen as his second home.

Always quiet and thoughtful, and preferring to work behind the scenes, Don played a key role in keeping Red Hen’s fleet of equipment running for a good 45+ years. Don retired from Red Hen in May 2018.

Don joined the American Legion Post 85 in 1973 and was a member for 46 years, proudly serving as Commander for 18 of those years. Don also served for 38 years on the Berrien Springs Oronoko Township Fire Department, as a Fire Fighter, later as Assistant Chief, and as a Captain by the time he retired.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marian on December 9, 2015. Both Marian and Don were passionate about serving the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 85 in Berrien Springs.

Survivors include his sister, Ellen Sullivan; stepson, Dale Hartman; a niece, a nephew, and three grand-nieces; and many friends.