Donald died Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, near Meadow.
Donald Duane Dunn was born May 29, 1942, in Bison to John and Anna Marie (Grohsmann) Dunn. He grew up on the family ranch southeast of Coals Springs, where they raised sheep and cattle. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Lemmon High School in 1960.
While in high school, Donald secretly began farming an outer section of the family homestead and eventually extended his farming operation.
Donald married Louise Wireman on July 12, 1969, near Meadow. They had three children, Denise, Tina and John.
Aviation was Donald's lifelong passion. Over the years he owned and piloted numerous airplanes, a hot air balloon, an experimental ultra-light aircraft, and accumulated many "project fuselages." He thrilled his passengers with hammerhead and dive bomb stunts and could land anywhere. He astounded friends by hang gliding off of Thunder Butte. He often went "airport bumming," visiting airports to watch the airplanes and swap stories with other pilots.
Music was another passion. He played guitar, organ and accordion by ear and led many family and friend sing-alongs. His favorite musical shows were the Lawrence Welk Show, Hee Haw and the Barbara Mandrell Show.
He took his daughters ice-skating at area dugouts during the winter months, building bonfires and giving sled rides behind the little garden tractor.
During the summers, he would haul the large sheep tank up to the yard for his girls to swim in.
He was a good mentor to his various nieces and nephews who spent the summer working for him. He led by example, instilling a strong work ethic in his daughters. His nieces, Diana and Michelle, each spent their eighth grade school year with Donald and Louise, and were very special to him.
Donald had many hobbies, including but not limited to, woodworking, gardening, video and photography, beekeeping and carpentry. He loved making impromptu road trips, traveling and meeting new people. He loved trees and was extremely particular about their maintenance. He earned a conservation award for planting a number of shelterbelts on his farm.
Donald is survived by his wife, Louise of Lemmon; daughters, Denise (Russ) Heupel of Box Elder and Tina Paradis of New Underwood; grandchildren, Jeremy and Brittney Paradis and Bailey Heupel; sister, Delores (Leon) Voegele of Trail City; and nieces, Diana Brooks of Joplin, Mo., and Michelle Barry of Mesa, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, John.
Donald's family would like to give a special thank you to Arlen Hatle for giving Donald the chance to do what he loved to do and for being such a good friend. Arlen's kindness over the years has been much appreciated.
At the time of his death, Donald was doing what he loved, working at his favorite job, stacking bales.
Condolences may be sent to www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com.
