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Donald Lee Deadman, 88, died peacefully on Aug. 30, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
Don was born in Alpena on Jan. 23, 1938 to Austin and Thelma Lee Deadman. He grew up on State Street (Thompson Park), where he enjoyed the water, boating, and doing acrobatics with friends in the park. Raised in a musically gifted family--a tradition that continues to this day--Don could play any instrument he touched, but his primary instruments were organ, trumpet, valve trombone, and vocals. His band, The Don Dee Trio, always played people's favorites in Alpena.
A naturally-gifted athlete, Don won many gymnastics competitions throughout high school in the 1950s. He was inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.
While serving in the United States Army and stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life Anett Popp. After being approved for a Visa, Anett came to the United States in 1958, they married, and together pursued the American Dream for 68 years. They built Alpena Music Center, a successful business in downtown Alpena. They also loved to travel the world with family and treasured friends.
As a lifelong Alpena resident, Don embraced Michigan's beauty and shared his love for the water with his children and grandchildren--boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and snorkeling the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay. Upon retiring, he could be found exploring Sulphur Island with his family. He liked hunting, shooting targets, was one of the top guns at the Alpena Sportsmen's Club, and was a member of the National Rifle Association of America. Additionally, Don was a commander in the United States Power Squadrons, and commodore of the Alpena Yacht Club. With a knack for being able to fix anything, he was often in his boathouse making things for Anett, building stage sets for Charmaine, or teaching his grandkids how to create whatever they wanted. He was a true artist and did things with excellence.
Later in life, Don trusted Jesus Christ as Lord. He enjoyed being a part of the Gideons, men’s prayer groups, as well as playing on his church's worship team.
Don was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Boynton and brothers Austin "Kaye" Deadman and Charles "Chuck" Deadman. He is survived by his devoted wife Anett and beloved children, Randall Carey (Juliet) Deadman and Charmaine Lee (Rich) Lipscomb. He was a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren: Hannah (Ryan) Deadman-Arnst, Randy Deadman, Austin Deadman, David (Jessica) Lipscomb, and Tyler (Aniqua) Lipscomb. They affectionately called him "Opi."
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at New Life Christian Fellowship (317 S. Ripley Blvd, Alpena, MI) from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m.