Donald John Homen

He grew up in the California Central Valley and then moved to Oakland in the Bay Area as a teenager along with his parents and two brothers, Joseph, Jr. and Norman. He served with distinction in the United States Army during 1947-1948, then completed his schooling at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. He met his future bride, Wanda Woodard, in March, 1954 on a blind double-date with his best friend Norman Martin and Wanda’s roommate. The four of them took a scenic drive to Carmel by the Sea. Donald and Wanda fell in love and married on December 26, 1954, continuing a romance that would span more than 68 years until his death on July 1, 2023. Donald leaves his spouse Wanda and three children, Mark (Franie) Homen, Holly (Tom) Stellman, Guy (Mandy) Homen, five grandchildren: Chris Gilroy, Luke (Anna) Homen, Amy (Eric) Torrence, Kyle (Becky) Homen and Joshua Homen and thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers and his son Bret Homen.

Donald worked as a calibrator instrumental mechanic for the United States Navy at the Alameda Naval Air Station for 32 years. He was a lifetime resident of California who loved traveling, camping, fishing and gardening. He loved to tinker with and fix anything electrical or mechanical including vehicles, computers and electronic components. Donald’s passion was tending to his many rose bushes, from which he would make beautiful bouquets for Wanda.