Donald Edward Korth

Sunrise: July 8, 1924

Sunset: June 3, 2021

Donald Edward Korth was born in Waterloo, Iowa the only child of Harold and Edith Korth. After graduating high school at age 18 he joined the Army Air Corp and was a B-17 Bomber and B-29 Bomber gunner in South East Asia (Pacific Theater) during World War II. After the war he went back to Waterloo, Iowa and married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) Grace Ellefson. They shared 56 years together until her passing in 2001.

After WWII Don worked as a printer, deciding that this wasn’t the right career choice for him, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army and was in air defense in the Korean War. Don’s military career took him and his family to various U.S. states and Okinawa, Japan. Don retired after the Vietnam war from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer, after a 25 year military career. After his retirement Betty’s job as an accountant GS-9 took them to England where they both took up golfing. After Betty’s retirement they moved to El Dorado Hills, Sacramento and enjoyed their dual retirement playing golf and various other hobbies. Don enjoyed fixing any thing, the more complex the better, he loved a challenge, if he didn’t have the right part he made one. Don and Betty moved to Fresno in 1996, enjoying time with family and of course, playing golf. He was larger than life and greatly respected by his family, he was not only our Father, Grandfather and Papa Don, he is still our hero: a WWII and Korean War veteran and one of the greatest generation. A beautiful life has left an amazing legacy for his family, he will be missed but never forgotten, he did life his way.

Preceding Don in passing is his beloved wife Betty Korth and his parents Harold and Edith Korth.

His memory will be forever cherished by his children: daughter Janet K. Knee and his son Larry C. Korth and wife Felicia. He will be missed by his grandchildren: Donny and Cindy Bowman, Liz and Jamie Leppanen, Keith and Lisa Korth, Damien Garcia and fiancee Fanelia Garcia, Michael Garcia and Erica Lopez. And fondly remembered by his great grandchildren: Makenzie Bowman, Kylee Leppenan, Jaiden Korth, Jared Korth and Jocelyn Korth, Kolbie Garcia, Triana Garcia, Amari Garcia, Michael Garcia and Emma Garcia.

Funeral services will be on June 18th, 2021 at 10:30 am at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L. Street, Fresno CA.

A luncheon reception following the services will be held at the residence of Larry and Felicia Korth.

The family would like to thank Hinds Hospice for their guidance and support through this difficult time. Remembrance’s in Don’s honor may be made to Hinds Hospice, 2490 W. Shaw, Fresno CA 93711

.