Don was born September 22, 1927 in Norristown Pennsylvania and left his
loving family to be with our lord on December 5, 2012. Don proudly served
our country in the South Pacific during WWII, first as a Merchant Marine and
then with the United States Marine Corps. His love of flying brought him to
join the USAF, Civil Air Patrol where he flew search and rescue missions for
over 40 years. Don obtained the rank of Major and was commander of his
squadron in 1980.
Don was a building contractor for most of his life and retired as a Senior
building inspector in 1989.
He is survived by Elsie, his wife of 57 years, sons Gene, Don Jr. (Nancy),
daughter Nita, and five grandchildren Patrick, Emily, Alexandra, Aaron, and
Nathan, brother David (Colleen), sisters, Elaine, Audrey, Joan, many nieces
and nephews.
Proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Eugenia, brothers Charles,
Harold, Ralph, Larry, and sister Mary Lou.
A memorial service will be held for Don’s family and friends.
Memorial Service
Where: Elks Lodge # 1378 315 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA on the south east corner Veterans Park at the intersection of Catalina and Torrance Blvd.
When: January 12, 2013 1:00 - 6:00
We are looking for a few folks to say a few words, tell a story or honor him in some way at his memorial service please contact us.
Memorial Cruise
Where: Discovery Bay, CA .
When: January 20, 2013 - Private Service
Dad loved the Sacramento Delta. We have a lot of fond memories of the time he spent there. We thought it very fitting that his ashes be spread there. It was a beautiful way to say our final good byes and end this chapter of our lifes. Dad, we know your enjoying your new home in Heavan and can't wait for us to join you. Until then, we'll still miss you! Good bye for now. You'll loving family and friends.
Tributes
Leave a tributeIf someone can please send me Aunt Elsies address via facebook I would appreciate it!!
I wish we could be there.... =(
Leave a Tribute
If someone can please send me Aunt Elsies address via facebook I would appreciate it!!
I wish we could be there.... =(
God moves the earth through all of us
I can't say we were friends, we met while I was dating his Beautiful daughter Nita. He was easy to talk to and protective of his daughter as all fathers are. Her happiness was important to him he told me. Once in a conversation in the back yard I mentioned my desire to fly ultra-light planes and in a small way Don touched my life with 5 words. "Why aren't you doing it" The way he said it stuck. It wasn't a challenge. It was a honest question. It was a long tme before I flew in a Ultra. But whenever I thought of flying I thought of what he said. You never know who or what we change by being here. God has a purpose for all of us Thanks Don for being in my life.
Dads last dream
My mom told us of this dream dad had the morning of his accident.
Dad woke up Tuesday morning with a smile on his face. He had a dream that he was running. No particular place just running and running. He said it felt so good and the dream brought him a lot of pleasure.
God is so gracious and merciful. This was an amazing dream and rather prophetic. It was God's way of reasuring us that Dad is free and enjoying his new body in heaven. Free to run and leap with joy.