Mikel D. "Don" Buckelew age 84 passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at Bell Sumiton Chapel on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive guests one hour prior to service. Brother Daniel C. Parrish II will be officiating.

Don was born on June 9, 1940, and met the love of his life, Faye Ratcliff, in December of 1958. They were married 6 months later on June 27, 1959, and spent 65 wonderful years together. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his family.

He was baptized into Christ in 1959 and faithfully attended the Sumiton Church of Christ, where he served the Lord with all his heart. Don's faith was the foundation of his life, and he lived as an example of unwavering devotion to God. He truly fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

Don retired from Drummond Coal Co. after many years of dedicated work. In his free time, he found joy in the great outdoors, loving both hunting and fishing. He was also an avid football fan, cheering loudly for the University of Alabama—Roll Tide!—and his beloved Dora High School Bulldogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar B. Buckelew and Evelyn Buckelew Posey, his stepfather James Posey, and his brothers Jerry, Gene, and Edwin Buckelew.

Don is survived by his loving wife Faye Ratcliff Buckelew; his children, Daryl (Beverly) Buckelew, Teresa (Daniel) Parrish, and Jana Buckelew Hayes; his grandchildren Nathan Buckelew, Adam Buckelew, Victoria (Josh) King, Daniel (Lauren) Parrish II, and Joel Parrish; his great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Paige, Ella, Peyton, Aria, Harrison, Lucas, Bryant, Adalynn, Kylee, and Bryson.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Enhabit Hospice, especially Becca and Marsha, for their compassionate care, and a special friend who was always quick to help, Jerry Gosnell.