Donald Stogsdill was born on June 15, 1934 in a home in St. Louis, Missouri to Kyle and Rose Stogsdill. Donald, along with his sister Joan, was raised in Missouri until 1961 when they moved to Orange County California.
Unfortunately, early on Donald was challenged with health issues, he always gave thanks to the doctors at Shriners Hospital who helped him achieve his dream of walking like his family and friends and giving him the opportunity to live the fullest life he could imagine. Much like his peers, Donald did relatively well in school but looked forward to the holidays and summer periods where he would be free to spend his days playing sandlot baseball or bottlecap baseball with his neighborhood friends. One of his favorite memories from his childhood was from 7th grade, the large celebrations marking the end of World War 11 held in the streets, people honking their horns, hugging each other, laughing and crying, truly be grateful for the loved ones who would be coming home soon.
A 1952 graduate of St. Johns High School and a 1956 Graduate of St. Louis College of Pharmacy with a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacology. He worked hard and dedicated his life to helping others. But he always took the time to enjoy the social events like proms and fraternity parties.
Donald was known for his great work ethics and dependability to his family, friends and people he served as a pharmacist. And although he considered himself not a particularly funny person, he did enjoy telling a funny joke or story from time to time. He was most comfortable in the company of people he knew, but strangers were only strangers for a short time if he saw something in them. This was good for his fellow members of the Elks Lodge, La Habra California Jaycees, Palm Hills Community, Chili Cook Off, or his participation with the volunteer search and rescue team at Lake Mead and Henderson Police department.
Donald was blessed to have two wonderful children, Donna and Douglas from his first marriage. He was a loving and dedicated father. In 1989 he was blessed again when he married Roszella (Rose) Mae Kidwell at the Cameo Wedding Chapel of Anaheim California. Rose brought her two great kids, Darrell and Carol, with her to bring together a beautiful blended family. Between the two of them, Donald and Rose were gifted with 5 grandchildren: Troy, Tristen, Derrick, Christopher and Kaitlyn.
Donald’s practical approach to life made him successful in planning his future. After he retired in 2006. His new chapter included moving to Henderson, Nevada, spending time with his family and friends, pets: Bridget a St. Bernard and Archie an African Gray Parrot, shooting at the gun range, walking, being active in his church and community groups, and traveling. He and Rose particularly enjoyed vacations where they would drive to their destination in order to enjoy all of the amazing parts of the US that they had never been to before, but they would also enjoy father locals like Hawaii.
Donald passed away on June 28, 2018 at his home. He is survived by his wife, Rose; children: Donna and Douglas; step-children, Darrell and Carole; grandchildren: Troy, Tristen, Derrick, Christopher, and Katie; and sister, Joan. Services was held at Palm Mortuary in Henderson, Nevada. Donald was laid to rest in Henderson, Nevada.
Donald was asked once what his favorite age was, his response was characteristic of him: “I really feel that the age I am right now is probably my most favorite, because I don’t know what lies ahead so every day is a surprise. Also, I don’t have to get up every morning and go to work, every day is a holiday! 21 would be good also, because now you are an adult and even the older folks and your parents recognize this. Of course, a lot of responsibilities come with that age”. This quote about his life shows just how much Donald liked to live in the moment he was in, be present in the experience, and appreciate every new experience that was yet to come, but also showed that he appreciated the milestones that life held.
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