Don graduated from Central High School in Aurora, Colorado. He received an Associate's Degree from Utah Valley College in Orem, Utah. He married Linda "Lyn" Petti on May 16, 1970. He worked as an ironworker for Local Union No. 27.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had a passion for fishing, hunting, playing cards, and traveling with his wife, Lyn.
Those left behind to cherish Don's memory are his mother, Icy Cary; wife, Lyn Vonachen; children, Michael (Celia) Vonachen and Michele Wozab; grandchildren, Nicole (Darrell) Hull, Kristin Vonachen, Zachary (Taylar) Miller, Austin Miller, and Garrett Vonachen; and great-grandchildren, Isabell Hull, Samuel Vickers, Andrew Hull, Lyla Vickers, and Benjamin Hull. He is also survived by his siblings, Bonnie (Jack) Robertson, Shirley (Kurt) Judd, and Doug (Theresa) Mackay.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville. The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 218 Serenada Drive, Georgetown. He will be laid to rest with military honors at 11:00 a.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.