Donald Poor

The wonderful earthly life of Donald Elroy Poor came to a peaceful end in the early hours of Sunday, April 27. He was born the son of Marvin and Genevieve (Hale) Poor, December 10, 1938, in Phoenix. Don was a multi-generational native resident, attending Longview Elementary and North High. He met his lifelong sweetheart, Vicki Lou Keller, in high school. He wooed her in his cool blue 1940 Chevy and won her heart forever!

Despite their young age, they married in 1959 when Don was 20 and Vicki 17. Their theme song might have been, "They tried to tell us we're too young," but sometimes you "just know". Perhaps their real song was something like, "I will always love you" because their "too young" marriage lasted 65 years.

Don spent his life in the printing business, starting in his father's print shop at age 16 as a part-time delivery boy. He went on to become a pressman and then management and eventually sales. Always known for his warm smile and engaging manner, he retired in 2010, after 56 years in the trade.

Don joined the Air National Guard in 1957. He was activated to active duty in the Air Force in 1961 when his unit was sent to Germany as part of American forces assigned to bolster the free side of the Berlin Wall during Cold War tensions. He had to leave Vicki and Shari, who was only three months old, but he was able to come home after only one year. Baby sister Lori soon joined the family.

Don & Vicki were blessed with their two daughters Shari and Lori, who were "their pride and joy." The girls brought Don & Vicki more joy when they got married and added their 2 wonderful son-in-laws, both named Jeff, to the family. Over the years, Don and Vicki were delighted to welcome 7 grandchildren to the fold who brought them much delight, laughter, and entertainment. The grandchildren have happy memories of swimming in grandma & grandpa's pool, in 100 degree plus weather, playing Marco Polo, and eating popsicles, watching movies on their king size bed and finally enjoying grandma's delicious home-cooked meals and treats.

The "Poor House" was often filled with friends and family. Don and Vicki were the ultimate hosts.... always welcoming anyone in, young or old, for love, food, friendship, a hug or a "Don Poor Margarita!" We are quite sure this is where Shari & Lori learned, by example, their gift of hospitality growing up with an open door policy!

Don had many interests throughout his journey. Music was always an important part of his life. Country music was at the top of his list of favorites! Waylon Willie Nelson and the Boys, Johnny Cash.... any of the old school country gang. He was also a lover of Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band, especially their rendition of many popular hymns. Don became a follower of Jesus while in high school when he spent a summer on his beloved aunt and uncle's farm, in Blythe, accepting an invitation while attending a church service. He did have the hope of what is to come after this earthly life.

Those who knew Don at all picture him snapping photos left and right... He always had a camera in hand! Photography and photos brought Don incredible joy in his life. He bought his first camera while on Air Force duty in Germany in 1961, a simple Baby Brownie. Many cameras were to follow with Don settling for a 35 mm Canon and later a Nikon. Toward the last years of his life Don used a Galaxy S20 Ultra and had to admit that his phone took better photos than his Nikon or Canon years before – and he always had it with him. Don became a skilled photographer and it is no exaggeration to say he shot hundreds of thousands of photos, blessing countless people by sharing his photos and talent with them. One friend of the family said, "Don captured special moments and made ordinary moments special and memorable!"

If you are Don's family or a friend you know how important birthdays were to him. He had a gift of remembering people's birthdays and many of you were the recipients of his sweet yearly birthday calls! He engaged not only family and friends but with as many people in different settings (a server, a friend of his daughters or grandkids, a neighbor, etc.). He would first ask their name and then ask "When is your birthday?" He could recall most anyone's birthday on the spot! He knew how to make people feel special and known with his warm smile, care and asking questions about their life. One of Don's favorite sayings was, "Life is interesting!" Life can be seen as a tapestry of experiences, challenges, and relationships which provide us with opportunities for growth.

In their later years, Don and Vicki joined with their daughter Shari and her husband, Jeff, to build "Dos Casas" - two homes under one roof. They all pitched in to make this dream come true. They have all enjoyed the privilege of living side by side for 8 years. There have been many happy times sitting on the patio, listening to music from the decades, singing, eating, laughing and enjoying one another and anyone who had the blessing of visiting this place.

And now Don's legacy lives on through his beloved wife Vicki Lou (Lou Lou) and daughters Shari Kelley (Jeff) and Lori Ridenour (Jeff - JR). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Andy Kelley (Alee), Wesley Kelley, and Jessica Lou Hargis (Evan) plus their 2 adorable children, Charlie & Emma. Also, his California grandchildren: Katelin, Chad, Bryce and Carly Ridenour. He is survived, as well, by his dearly loved sister Marlene Gail Christner (Don). A life well lived... we will surely miss you Donald Elroy Poor… husband, father, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend!

A Celebration of Life will occur Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00 AM at Greenwood Memory Lawn Serenity Chapel, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009.