Donald R. Plante

June 28, 1932 – March 20, 2026

Donald R. Plante, age 93, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on March 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, dedication and deep love for his family.

Don was born on June 28, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Paul and Bernadette Plante.  He grew up in Detroit and graduated from Mackenzie High School in 1950.  Shortly after graduating, he began what would become a life long career with Ford Motor Company, starting as a production grinder in the Motor Building in August of that year.

Determined to build a future through skilled trade, Don entered Ford’s apprenticeship program.  He was initially accepted into the mechanical apprenticeship, but after his brother jokingly  told him he should have chosen electrical work so he could “always wire houses if he were laid off,” Don reconsidered.  With encouragement from his family and a letter written by his father to the head of the apprenticeship program, Don was accepted into the electrical apprenticeship, a decision that shaped the rest of his career.

Through hard work and dedication, Don rose through the ranks and eventually served as Supervisor of Crane Repair.   After 44 years with Ford, He retired in August 1994 at the age of 62, leaving behind a reputation for skill, reliability, and pride in his work.

Alongside his career, Don also proudly served his country in the United States Navy Reserve for eight years from 1950 to 1958.

Outside of work, Don found great joy in shooting sports and was deeply involved with the Ford Motor Gun Club, serving as both Treasurer and Pistol Director.  He loved introducing his children to the sport, spending summers trap shooting and winters practicing pistol shooting together.

His passion for shooting became part of his family’s legacy.  his youngest son, Robert, followed in his footsteps and achieved the remarkable honor of qualifying for the pistol competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Even as arthritis bent his trigger finger, Don refused to give up the sport he loved.  Instead, he adapted, learning to pull the trigger with his personality finger so he could keep shooting.  His determination and skill eventually earned him recognition as a Distinguished Pistol Shooter in 2000.

Donald is survived by his brother Raymond Plante; his daughters  Linda Cramier and Susan and Paul Swan; his daughter-in-law Pauline Plante; his beloved grandchildren Desiree and Chris Adamson, Adrienne Camille and Alan Barker, Leah Filer, Kyle Filer, Jeff Swan, Jesse Swan; his great-grandchildren Dominic and Tara Plante, Jordan and Joelle Plante, Paris Estrada, Alysia Moss and Caleb Barker.

He is also survived by great-great-grandchildren Skylar Plante, Nerriah Cramier, MJ Swan, Jordyn Plante, Oliver Plante, Liam Moss, Madelyn Moss, Athena Moss, along with many other loved family members who were part of his life.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bernadette Plante, his stepmother Georgette Plante,  his sister Paulette Plante, his brothers Robert and Paul Plante, his wife Jeanette Plante, and his sons Robert and Kenneth Plante.

To those who knew him best, Don will be remembered for not only his strong work ethic and determination, but for the quiet way he shaped the lives around him.  He taught by example, through perseverance, loyalty to family, and dedication to the things he loved.  His stories, his passions, and the traditions he passed down will continue to live on through the generations of family who carry his name and his spirit forward.  He will be deeply missed and  lovingly remembered.