Feb. 13, 1937 – Jan. 5, 2022

Donald Joseph Taube, 84, passed away on January 5, 2021, surrounded by loved ones at his home.

Donald is the dear father of Tim (Kathy) Slagle, Suzanne (Brian) Taube Strong, Bonnie Taube, Kellie Taube, Donni (Phillip) Steele, and Wendy Taube.

He is the loving grandfather of Alexa, Brittany, Joey, Mackenzi, Montana, Max, and Colton; soon-to-be great-grandfather of Blakely; brother of Collette (Jerry) Dywasuk, Bill (Charlene) Taube, Janet (the late Bill) Kershaw, Judy (Terry) Burns, Dave (Debbie) Taube, Karen (the late Chuck) Ross, and the late Frank (Joan) Taube, Mary Ann (Ed) Bice and Lorraine Taube; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is also survived by his best friend and caregiver, Joan Barney.

Donald was the fourth of 12 children and loved growing up as part of a big family, especially because he always had someone to amuse and banter with! His dad was a Boy Scouts of America leader, and he relished in his family’s camping and picnicking adventures.

Donald could be found center stage wherever he went. He loved telling stories and jokes and making people laugh. He enjoyed playing games with family and friends (especially when he was winning!), tinkering, sunbathing and especially his annual Christmas party with NCR buddies. He also, enjoyed spending time with his beloved dogs.

A special thank you to Joan Barney, Donald’s loyal friend for over 30 years, for all the wonderful care given to him.

Donald started his career at 12 years old working summers at Martin’s Nursery and VanDyke Flowers and delivering papers for the Detroit Shopping News.

A few of his jobs:

At age 15, for a summer job, he was picked to work for a local carnival. His job included climbing atop the ferris wheels to change the light bulbs and timidly holding pavement stakes while the carnies pounded them in with huge sledgehammers. He was enthralled by the circus barker on how he performed his spiel for the live midway shows.

He later worked at Detroit Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and would walk carrying a briefcase with a million dollars in it, escorted by many security guards. He loved having a clearance and being able to take his little brother, Billy, to look at all the money in the vaults.

His favorite job, and the one he was most proud of, was with NCR Corporation, previously known as National Cash Register. Donald liked meeting new people and dealing with many business owners. He also loved having the freedom to be on the road, fixing and working with his hands.

After leaving NCR, he joined his ex-wife, Marlene, to own and operate Partridge & Associates, a real estate and mortgage company. Several of his children worked for their companies. He enjoyed the family atmosphere that the companies provided and as a result made many friends.

Donald was a elated to be picked to become a member of a improv group called ComedySportz. He thrived at making people laugh and was great at it! He also did some standup comedy at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, MI and Miss Kitty’s Comedy Show and Long Branch Saloon in Oxford, MI. He was admired for his wit and humor and was elated when someone asked him for his autograph!

Near the later part of his life he moved to American House Oakland, his playfulness and life-of the-party personality carried on. He won a talent show with his comedy act, played euchre, loved bingo and horse-racing. Donald kept active and always had a smile on his face, even as his Parkinson’s disease progressed. This is in large part due to Joan Barney’s unyielding care.

Don’s calling in life was to bring humor and playfulness to life. He saw life as an adventure and never missed an opportunity to deliver a punchline and make people laugh. He will surely be missed!