Donald Ray Dustin was born May 17th, 1937, in Portage Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

His parents were Nora Louise Ashley and Everett Orist Dustin. His eldest sibling was Everett Harvey Dustin. His older sisters were Cora Ann and Julia Fern .

Dusty served his country in the Air Force and later retired from the Air National Guard after 28 years. He comes from a long line of military and heroic persons. From Revolutionary War heroes who participated in the Boston Tea Party and the Civil War to Dusty himself, who as a child lived through World War II.

Dusty always had a strong respect for God, his country, and his family. Being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather gave him great peace and pride in his later years.

He was an avid golfer who rarely missed his weekly golf appointment and shared that love with his grandsons and beloved friends. He also enjoyed bowling, being on his NCO bowling team for years. Other favorite hobbies were hitching up the family trailer and boat and whisking the family off into the wilderness for a weekend of camping and fishing, along with an occasional duck hunt with his friends.

Dusty loved a good (bad) dad joke. He was a warm, happy, positive person who always saw people as good and with the best of intentions. He was a hard worker, determined in his goals. He enjoyed music and had a wonderful singing voice. He took pride in taking care of his family and was always willing and eager to help wherever he could. He did his best to live a life of honesty, integrity, and humility, and he is sorely missed.