METCALF, DONALD “DON”

Don Metcalf passed away March 13, 2021, 5 days short of his 80th birthday. He was born March 17, 1941 to Clifton Metcalf and Donna Marie (Fox) Metcalf of Fairgrove, Michigan. Don is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Allen (Loretta) Metcalf of Dewitt. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy (Norrington) Metcalf, son Wade (Tanya) Metcalf of Alma, son Jason Metcalf (Craig Wright) of Sutton’s Bay, Sisters Betty Krumboltz (John) of Palo Alto, CA, Diane (Bill) Rowden of West Olive, Shirley (Jud) Gildersleeve of Hastings, Sandi Metcalf (David Gage) of Grand Haven, and grandsons Clif Metcalf of Holland and Jacob Metcalf of Alma. In 1959, Don left the family farm in rural Tuscola County to study music at Alma College. Although unable to read music on arrival, he soon excelled, rising to the position of Principal Clarinetist in the Alma Symphony Orchestra. He enjoyed fraternity life with the brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma, studied and performed several seasons at Bayview, and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. He viewed his years at Alma College as formative and mind-broadening. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University. A much-loved director of the Alma Middle School Bands (19651989) and Alma High School Bands (1989-1993). He led the Alma College Jazz Ensemble for 17 years concurrently (1988-1993) and in semi-retirement (1994-2005). Don started thousands of young men and women on their journeys as musicians. As a teacher, Don was equally patient with the most-and least--skilled students. Everyone had his full attention and a place in his bands. Don was an avid arranger of music for his school bands, jazz ensembles, and cover bands. Students delighted in marching to his hand-written arrangements of the latest pop tunes in parades. Many of Don’s students became life-long hobbyists, some became music educators, and more than a few became prominent performers, composers and recording artists. Don was an accomplished and versatile musician, performing on bass, saxophone, clarinet, trombone, or even penny whistle, if the occasion called for it. Although he appreciated all styles of music, Jazz

ian Inn in 1956 (playing Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog on his father’s tenor saxophone), through the end of his life, Don continued to play for others’ entertainment. He formed and played in many bands, including local reception band The Plaids. Between 1966 and 1993, the group entertained at weddings, parties and conventions around the state, and employed over 25 musicians, all of whom became family to Don and Nancy. As recently as February, 2020, Don could be seen playing music with friends in local pubs. He was known to tease, “Play sports and you’re done at 30...Play music and you’ll enjoy it for the rest of your life.” Don was equally comfortable in front of a concert audience, under a car or tractor, or swinging a hammer. His ambition was limitless. In the early 1970’s, with Nancy’s support and some help from family, Don scratch-built the family home in Alma, while teaching, raising sons, attending graduate school, and playing gigs 2 or 3 nights per week. Later in life, Don enjoyed great lakes boating, taking motorcycle trips with Nancy and good friends, and brief visits to Florida. Don was a protective and loving husband to Nancy and a proud and encouraging father to Wade and Jason. He adored his grandsons, Clif and Jake, to whom he passed his musical and mechanical abilities, the courage to try anything, and his mischievous streak. An outdoor, covid-compliant memorial celebration to be scheduled summer of 2021. A memorial fund is planned in support Alma College Music Students. Details to be announced. Contributions may also be made to CMU Public Radio in support of jazz programming. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-moody-wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Don’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com