Don is survived by his wife, Bev; children Kim Mercer and Chip (Cathy) Friend; grandchildren Rachel (Ken) Stokes, Ryan (Whitney) Rigdon, Ty Mercer (Cassidee Bruton), and Zach Friend; great-grandchildren Tristan Stokes, Austin Peet, Lillian Stokes, Brennan Stokes, Kadynce Rigdon, Jordan Rigdon, and Kendall Rigdon. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, George Damme.
Following graduation from Silver Creek High School, Don enlisted in the US Navy in 1958. He was stationed aboard the USS Rochester where he worked as a radar operator until his honorable discharge in 1961.
Don moved to Colorado in 1961 where he began a 30-year career in telecommunications with Western Electric, Mountain Bell, and AT&T. He met his wife, Bev, in Pueblo and they were married on October 2, 1970 in Loveland. They settled in Pueblo where they raised their children, Kim and Chip. After his retirement from AT&T, Don and Bev moved to Pueblo West and started a small business called B&D Breakables.
Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband to Bev for 50 years, a loving father and grandfather, and a cherished friend to many.
Don’s love for his country culminated in a proud family tradition of military service as his son and two grandchildren also served in the US Navy. He always made the effort to shake the hand of a Veteran or active-duty soldier and thank him or her for their service.
Don was a member of Covenant Reformed Presbyterian church, VFW, and NRA. He also served as a union steward during his telecommunications career.
Don never knew a stranger and was well known for his witty humor, sincere kindness, and gentle acts of self-sacrifice. His family and friends love him dearly and he will be greatly missed.
FAMILY
Kim MercerDaughteer
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