Donald Samuel Khoury

VULCAN — Donald Samuel Khoury, 82, of Vulcan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, Nov. 28, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center in Iron Mountain. He is now with his Savior and Guide, Jesus Christ. He loved Him and now is very pleased to be with Him in Heaven, along with wife Sharon, his mother and father and sister. During the past few years, Don was caregiver to his beloved wife Sharon Ruth (Mellon) Khoury, who preceded him in death on March 27, 2023, and together they worked and ministered to people at The Wishing Well in downtown Iron Mountain since 1970.

Don was born Nov. 30, 1941, in Iron Mountain, to Samuel “Bokey” John Khoury and Berenice E. Cole; they preceded him in death in 1960 and 1996, as well as a sister, Barbara Khoury Vojtech in 2020.

He is survived by a sister, Karen Jules Adelfang; brother-in-law, Jerry; sister-in-law, Maureen Bradshaw of California; nephew, Mark Bradshaw in Germany; niece, Jennifer (Robert); brother-in-law, Walter; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Don graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1959 and married Sharon Mellon on Sept. 26, 1970, at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan; they had 53-1/2 years of marriage. Don then started Wishing Well Gifts in downtown Iron Mountain in 1970, working tirelessly until the Friday before he died. He knew his health was failing, so he was in the process of a retirement sale. God had a different plan, but in the process brought many customers and friends into the store for one more bag of candy or two just show their love and appreciation in return to this man who meant so much to so many.

Sharon and Don did so much more than sell gifts and candy. They prayed with and for those who thought they needed a gift, but maybe needed more or just a listening ear.

Christ was an intricate part of their lives, and they shared the salvation message with many customers, friends, and even strangers. They were generous with love and gave quietly to many. Matthew 6:3… But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. They opened their door to many, not only giving shelter but the love of Christ in their hospitality.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, there will be no public visitation but a private visitation and service with close family and friends, which was held on Dec. 4, followed by burial at Norway Township Cemetery.

It was a mild, sunny, peaceful day… a day to remember this man who made so many happy… so many years as a clown in the Fourth of July Parade, tirelessly giving to the downtown (referred to as Mr. Downtown), being a mentor to new and younger business owners around him. When asked what made him most happy… he replied, “Bringing happiness to and helping others… and enjoying God’s blessings!”

Condolences to the family of Donald Khoury may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.