Donald Erickson Shain

Donald Erickson Shain, 74, of Croton, Michigan, passed away on March 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by his wife and children, who gathered close in prayer.

Born on June 30, 1951, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Ethelyn (Erickson) Shain, Don grew up alongside his older sister Carol. He often spoke fondly of his childhood in what he called an idyllic era. A 1969 graduate of Exeter Township High School, Don faced significant adversity during his senior year when he was seriously injured in a car accident on November 1, 1968. He spent three and a half months in traction, yet demonstrated his characteristic determination by walking across the stage on crutches to receive his diploma. That same resilient spirit led him to hitchhike to Woodstock while still in a full leg cast, eager to experience the music and energy of the time. He went on to attend Brandywine Junior College in Wilmington, Delaware, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, in 1973. While there, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.

Don began his career with VF Corporation, selling Lee Jeans to independent retailers across multiple states. In 1975, he was transferred to Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where he was honored as Salesman of the Year at the national level. He took great pride in this achievement, embodying the spirit of a gifted and personable salesman. He continued in sales until his retirement in 2015.

On February 15, 1985, Don met Shelley Hoffman Oros in the frozen food aisle of Eberhard’s grocery store. Their family grew with the arrival of sons Joe on June 16, 1986, and Jacob Donald Erickson on July 19, 1987. Don and Shelley married on October 16, 1987, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and welcomed their daughter Rebekah Laurell Mae on March 14, 1990.

Don is survived by his wife, Shelley; his children, Joe, Edward (Jenny), Jacob (Brieanna), and Rebekah (Joe); his grandchildren, Caleb Oros, Kaylee and Ashlee Shain, and Liam Wilton; his sister, Carol Vanschenkhof; his mother-in-law, Connie Hoffman; his brother- and sister-in-law, Bob and Emily Hoffman; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Garland Hoffman, his cousin Eric Moore, his brother-in-law Jim Hoffman, and his nephew Ryan Hoffman.