Aug. 19, 1950 - Oct. 3, 2012

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. - Donald Eugene "Don" Eslinger, 62, of Edwardsburg, passed away at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in his residence from natural causes.

He was born in Mishawaka, Ind., on Aug. 19, 1950, to Russell and Betty (Hay) Eslinger.

Don is preceded in death by his mother, but his father survives in Elkhart, Ind.

Also surviving are his brothers, David (Rhonda) Eslinger of Goshen, Ind., and James (Jody Leers) Eslinger of Bristol, Ind.; special friend Cathy Waszak of Granger, Ind.; long-time childhood friend Doug Johnson and family; and five nephews.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, with a funeral beginning at 5 p.m., at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart.

Burial will take place the following day at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at the St. Joseph Memorial Park in Granger. Pastor Frank King of the Mountaintop Community Church of Elkhart and Pastor Dale Turner will officiate.

Don worked at Jayco Inc. of Middlebury, Ind., more than 20 years, then went on to become an independent contractor for several years after that, retiring in January of this year. He was a master craftsman and was well-known for his superior workmanship.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, SCUBA diving and snow skiing.

He was also a childhood cancer survivor, but never allowed his illness to limit his potential and went on to become a state weightlifting champion with the U.S. Powerlifting Association.

Debbie Edgell, Elkhart, IN Dave, Sorry for the loss of your brother. Don has moved to a new home. He is with your mom.

Jeri and Don Alabaugh (Beckwith), Bristol, IN Dave and Rhonda, So sorry to hear about Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Larry and Kathy Allen, ELKHART, IN Larry and kathy Allen Elkhart, IN So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time. He was a great neighbor when we lived on Peppermint Drive.

Armando Ponce, Goshen, IN To the family of Don and Cathy, So sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Armando and Linda Ponce

Phil Cox, North Olmsted, OH I am so sorry to hear about Don. The Eslinger family and I go back so many years. He was always a person you enjoyed being around. My thoughys and prayers go out to you all.

Danny Balyeat, Union, MI Jim and Dave, I'm very sorry to hear about Don. We always had such great times growing up together.Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I know he will be missed. Dan Balyeat and Sue West

Tammi Mabie, bristol, IN Dave Eslinger,so sorry to hear of your loss.My thought's and Prayer's are with you and your family.