William Delos Feaster

William Delos Feaster May 11, 1936 - November 30, 2021 "What a life I have" were some of the last words Dad spoke. Although he was talking about his current condition, he really did have a good life-all things considered. He was born to Lawrence and Nora Feaster on May 11, 1936. He had one older brother, Larry, and two younger brothers, Gary and Doug, all of which preceded him in passing. Dad and his brother Gary had "Ushers Disease" which made them hard of hearing and eventually blind. Dad had it worse than his brother. They attended Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint. Dad graduated from Midland High School in 1956. Then the best part happened in his life-he met mom (Irene Judith Hassen) on a blind date. It was love at first sight-first for mom with dad's red car, then dad! They married May 19, 1962. Dad and mom moved to Muskegon where they had their two daughters, Brenda in 1963 and Nita in 1965. A year after Nita was born, they moved back to Midland where dad first got a job at a bakery. He made the best homemade doughnuts and it was a special treat when he would make them at home. Then Dad got a job at Continental Can Company/Sunoco Fiber Drum where he worked until they made him retire in 1986. While working there, mom and dad had a son, Michael in 1972. Dad was an excellent woodworker. After all, he used his fingers as his eyes. He made mom a filing cabinet and roll top desk, mug trees, tables, lamps, foot stools, and more. Dad was a member of the Freeland Church of God Seventh Day for the majority of his life. He memorized the songs in the hymnals. He accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized in 1967. He has had close friends in the church, namely Don and Dorothy Turrell who he loved as his own siblings. A little about dad from our (the kids) perspective: Dad took a VERY long time to think about stuff and answer questions that drove us all bonkers! Dad didn't speak much, but when he did, we listened. Dad enjoyed laughter, but he never really had a belly laugh, it was more of a grunt, which made everyone laugh even more--not to make fun of him, but rather just joining in with his laughter. He enjoyed playing games with good friends and family like Norbert and Marilyn Bennetts and Uncle Ken Noble. Dad was excellent at math and doing it all in his head. He never needed a stinkin' calculator! Mom and dad both loved camping and did that as often as possible. Dad also enjoyed fishing. Dad and mom started having grandkids in 1984. They were all the apples of his eyes. They arrived in the following order: Julie Haskin Espinoza (Kendry), Joshua Haskin (Danielle), Alishia Feaster Wright (Kevin), Jessica Haskin (Diego Flores, fiance), Melanie Draves, Jared Haskin, Gregory Draves, Joel Haskin. Dad loved his grandkids. He had a way with them from birth on - rocking them, playing with them, teaching sign language to one or two of them, etc. He then had a great-granddaughter, Elyse Flores, who always prayed for "Great papa" every night. That touched his heart. Dad was a true man of God. Every morning and evening, he would be found in his bedroom on his knees praying and putting on his armor of God. He did this daily until he didn't have the strength anymore in October of this year. He preached a sermon at church. He loved reading the Bible and eventually listening to it on CD when his eyes got bad. He and mom would study the Bible daily. They were both a great example to us all. He was ready to go home to Jesus and see mom again. He would love nothing more in this life than to see ALL his friends and family accept Jesus as their Savior and live their lives for Him. We know dad is celebrating in Heaven as all of Heaven is too. We look forward to seeing both our parents again one day. Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, parents Lawrence and Nora, brothers Larry, Gary and Doug, a few sisters and brothers-in-law. He temporarily leaves behind his kids: Brenda (Blaine) Haskin, Nita (Marty) Draves, Michael (Mary) Feaster, grandkids, great-granddaughter, sisters-in-law Karen Feaster, Helen Sams, Ruth (Don) Lashuay, Kaye Hassen, Dora Noble and brother-in-law Ben (Jeanie) Hassen, and a boat load of nieces and nephews. You will be missed so much, Dad. So, until we meet again, give mom and Jesus your big hugs for us. We love you. Funeral services will take place at 12 noon on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 West Wheeler Street. Pastor Andrew Fernandez of the Freeland Church of God Seventh Day will officiate with burial to follow in Midland Memorial Gardens. Bill's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6-8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Freeland Church of God Seventh Day or Spring Vale Christian School.