91 years young, passed away peacefully on 11/10/22 in his home at The Grove Memory Care in Modesto, Ca.
Born 1/17/31 in Butner, OK. His Family moved to California in 1944.
Don joined the Army at age 21.
He loved to tell stories of his time as a medic in a MASH unit during the Korean war. In particular the stories of Hot Lips Houlihan. Don served till age 29 and had an Honorable Discharge.
After the military he went to school to become a Civil Engineer for the State of California.
Don married Louise in 1952 then had four children-Doug Bratton, Sharon Fetterley, Valerie Hernandez and Vickie Makihele.
Through the Years Don remarried and he and his wife Alta built a business to support and care for developmentally disabled adults, providing housing options and daily living support. They were honored with a Community Service Award in 1998.
When he retired he came to Ceres Ca and became an Almond/Walnut farmer. He ran two farms until 2016.
Don loved to travel and enjoyed many special trips with family and friends. He loved talking about all the places he had visited and was always excited to plan the next trip.
Don leaves behind his four children, two stepchildren Mary Gregorio and Mike Cassatt, two sisters Barbara Brandt and Carol Spence as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Please join his family to celebrate his life.
December 1, 2022 at 11:00 am
Lakewood Memorial
Heritage Chapel
900 Santa Fe Ave
Hughson, CA
Reception to follow.
Viewing November 30, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
