Donald Michael Drink

December 20, 1950 - March 5, 2019

Donald Michael Drink, 68, died after a long battle with multiple illnesses.  In his final days, immediate family in Hinesville, Georgia surrounded him with love.

Donald was born on December 20, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois to Hypson and Albert  Drink.  He graduated from Marshall High School (class of 1969) in Chicago, Illinois.

Donald would then enlist in the Air Force in 1969 as a cook. While Donald enjoyed serving as a cook, what he truly enjoyed most was interacting with and keeping up the morale of his fellow airmen as they came through the chow line. Also while serving his country, he was very proud to be chosen for the boxing team. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1973, he returned to Chicago, where he would go on to work for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. After, his years of being employed as a car inspector, he would unfortunately have to stop working due to kidney failure. He continued on as a dialysis patient for over thirty years.

After his son Kevin's passing, he would eventually leave Chicago, moving to Georgia due to him beginning to lose his sight.  This move would also give him a chance to be closer to his grandchildren.  The last eight years of his life in Georgia would be filled with new friendships and experiences that he embraced slowly. All the while, his heart always remained with his home city, Chicago.

Donald lived a seemingly carefree and unapologetically self-determined life, with a focus on always trying to do things "his way".  Among his favorite things were to read or watch movies about historic events. He particularly had a love of watching war films. Donald most enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, laughing, while sharing and hearing old memories about life and loved ones.

Donald is preceded in death by: his wife Arey Mae Drink (separated); son Kevin Michael Drink; brothers - Kenneth Drink and Albert (Anice) Drink Jr.  He leaves to celebrate his memory: his daughter Belita (Ramon) Aikens; two grandchildren Mecca and Miles Aikens all of Hinesville, Georgia; four sisters - Caslean (Otha) Montgomery, Mattlone Elain Drink, Dorothy Jean Goines, and Shirley Ann Sims all of Chicago, Illinois; two brothers - James Lee (Barbara) Drink of Chicago, Illinois and Flintaldrige (Violeta) Drink of Edmonds, Washington, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Donald touched the lives and hearts of many people who crossed his path.  We will always remember your loud voice and boisterous laugh that could fill a room. We are grateful for all of the memories and will miss you deeply.

Visitation, Friday, March 15th, from 4 to 9 p.m.  Funeral Service, Saturday, March 16th, 10 a.m. at The Elms Funeral Home 7600 W. Grand Ave. (North on 76th Ave.), Elmwood Park.  Interment Oak Ridge Cemetery.  For information 708-453-1234 or www.elmsfh.com