My name is Don Kill, Jr, and I was born in Lansing in 1952 to Donald R. Kill Sr. and Marilyn Whitney Kill. I moved to Mason back in 1979 when I was looking for a community in which I wanted my children to grow up. I’m active with a number of local organizations, including The American Legion Browne-Cavender Post 148 and one of the programs we’re known for is that we put out 870 U.S. flags in Mason 8 days during the year. I am also one of the fortunate people that has been recognized as “Citizen of the Year” in Mason for 2020.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to Theresa for 36 years, and between us have 4 children, 13 grandkids, and 4 great-grandkids.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections for 22 years before I retired in 2008. I’ve been a licensed barber since 1971 and I owned Mason Barber Shop from 1983-1988. I still work part-time and you can find me at Mason Barber Shop on Fridays if you need a haircut.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
City Limits and A & W.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved here in 1979.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Bill Parsons, owner of Parson’s Auto Service here in town. He was quite a character and always had a joke to tell.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is “The Greatest Showman” and my favorite TV shows are mostly westerns.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always do your best.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel out west.
Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
Any oldies band but especially The Four Seasons.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Keans.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tom Izzo, I would take him to City Limits.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Ingham County Fair.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still being able to volunteer in my community.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a semi-pro magician and escape artist who was hung upside down by my feet from a fire truck in a straitjacket, and got out!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
San Antonio, Texas.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? Best single day on the calendar?
June. Halloween. June 22 (my birthday!!).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Our Chamber of Commerce.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
All the great people around me that I have met.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh baked cookies, Roses.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Sarah Osterle Russell.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Just like the Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home!
