Donald H. "Don" Chalfant

Reverend Donald Howard Chalfant, 93, founder of the Haven of Rest Ministries here in Battle Creek, died Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Florida.

Don was born in Webb, IA to Silas E. and Willa S. (Caskey) Chalfant on August 15, 1923. He grew up on a farm north of Webb and received his early education at Gillette Grove School in Gillette Grove, IA.

He married Wilma J. Meyer on August 17, 1944. They farmed in the Gillette Grove area in their early married years. They added two children to their happy family, Sandra Kay in 1945 and Silas Evan in 1948.

On December 15, 1950, Don received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord & Savior into his life! In January 1952, Don with Wilma and family set off for Omaha for classes at the Omaha Baptist Bible College for a two year program. In 1954, they moved to Grand Rapids, MI where Don accepted a position as assistant superintendent of the "Haven of Rest" Rescue Mission. They added to their family by the blessing of twins, Paul Everett and Sharon Rae in 1955. In August 1956, the family moved to Battle Creek, MI where Don and Wilma became the founders of the "Haven of Rest" a rescue mission. They served God's people in numerous and wonderful ways together until Wilma's death from cancer in August 1987. They were married for 43 years. In 1991, Don retired and moved to Winter Haven, FL.

Don married Linda (Fisher) Meyers on September 8, 2011. He enjoyed a love of Gospel music, guitar Gospel and especially Linda's company. Don was a member and stayed active at Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven, FL.

Don was also "Grandpa" to nine grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. What a generous life! Don was a true and faithful servant of the Lord and will be missed and remembered by family and friends for many years. Don's favorite scripture passage which served him well for many years was Ephesians 2: 8-9.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Brian E. Spencer at Calvary Baptist Church 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Haven of Rest Building Fund, P.O. Box 52, Battle Creek, MI 49016-0052. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.