Donald Lee Amidon

Donald Lee Amidon, age 68, passed away July 4, 2014 after a brief illness. Don was born February 11, 1946 in Pontiac, IL. Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in November of 1965 and began active duty in 1966. From 1967 through 1974, his assignments included DaNang AB, Republic of Vietnam; Nahkon Phanom Airport, Thailand; Don Muang Airport, Bangkok, Thailand; Taipei Air Station, Taiwan, Republic of China. Don also performed tactical air missions on C-123 aircraft discharging high intensity flares over Laos, to facilitate USAF night time bombing missions. During this period of time, he received the Air Medal, and three awards of the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 1981, Don was reassigned to Edwards AFB, as the NCOIC, Academics Branch, USAF Test Pilot School. During his career, Don also volunteered for duty in the USAF Honor Guard. Don retired from active duty at the rank of SMSgt in 1987. After working briefly for the Computer Sciences Corporation at Edwards AFB, Don began working in Civil Service in 1989. He worked in many different job assignments over the years and was currently working for the 412 TW Communications Squadron as an IT Specialist.

Don enjoyed racquetball, photography, flying stunt kites and radio-controlled aircraft. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin "Les" and Ruth "Yvonne" Amidon and his brother David Amidon. Don is survived by his wife Bonnie Amidon; his sister Janet Amidon of Pontiac, IL; his sons Theo and Christopher Amidon and his daughter Penny. Don was a kind and loving husband, father, and a friend to many in the Edwards AFB community for over 33 years. Don's favorite motto was, "There is never a wrong time to do the right thing". A memorial service, with full military honors, was held at Edwards Air Force Base Chapel 2, Friday July 11th at 11:00 a.m. Rest well dear friend, until we meet again.