Donald Guy Chamberlain

Donald Guy Chamberlain, 100, of Bardstown, Kentucky (formerly of Sandusky, Michigan), passed away on January 24, 2024.  He was born May 26, 1923 in Ubly, Michigan, the son of Glenn and Bertha (Umphrey) Chamberlain. 

Don attended Port Huron High School until age 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served during World War II (with George H.W. Bush on the USS San Jacinto).  Don was a firm believer in lifelong education. He received both business and law enforcement degrees from St. Clair County Community College and a social science degree from Michigan State University (graduating in 1979 at the same commencement ceremony as his son, Chip). 

After leaving the Navy, Don worked first as a house painter and builder.  He then served as chief of police in Harbor Beach, Michigan.  From there, he moved into social work, serving Sanilac County as a probation officer, a court referee, and eventually Director of Juvenile Court Services.

Don always enjoyed horses.  He was instrumental in establishing the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Posse.  He trained and raced harness horses in both Michigan and Kentucky.  Later, he trained and showed Paso Fino horses.

Don was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of American Legion Post 121.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Ford Chamberlain; his parents; his sisters Betty Leslie and Dorothy Thiede; his ex-wife Virginia Fuhrman (mother of his children); and his grandson Kristopher Dundas.

He is survived by his daughter, Jo Ann Dundas; his son, Chip (Julie) Chamberlain; three grandchildren: Travis Dundas (Jessica Miller), Meghan (Kevin) Balduc, and Melanie Chamberlain (Nick Payne); seven great-grandchildren: Audra and Jasden Dundas, Milo and Marley Dundas, Kayla and Eli Balduc, and Owen Payne Chamberlain; as well as devoted neighbor and friend, Peggy Reinle.

Memorials may be made to any charity of the donor’s choice.

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