Donald James Mankin

Don was born in Sonoma, California, on April 1, 1947, to James Aubrey Mankin, Jr. and Barbara Dorothy (Coode) Mankin. He was their first child and later became the proud older brother to two sisters and a half brother. During his childhood, his parents moved to Eugene, Oregon. It was there that his sisters were born, and Don proudly became a big brother. As a young boy in Eugene, Don enjoyed being active in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. When Don was about 12 years old, the family relocated to Montclair, California, a community that would become his lifelong home.

Donald was a resident of Montclair, California, for 67 years. He graduated from Montclair High School with the Class of 1965. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably until his discharge in 1968. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

In his twenties, Don loved the freedom of the open road. He took motorcycle trips across the United States, collecting stories and memories he later enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

In 1969, Don began his career as an ironworker and was proud to be a member of Ironworkers Local Union 433. After 23 years in the trade, he went on to establish his own company, D&D Crane Service. Don served as the owner and operator of the business until his retirement in 2012.

He met the love of his life, Dolores Ann (Sigman) Mankin, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage. Don and Dolores were married in Pomona, California, on October 20, 1990. They loved traveling together, especially in their motor home, and their favorite destination—often shared with friends and family—was the Dumont sand dunes. Don was a loyal man who valued lifelong friendships, and he cherished the weekly breakfasts he shared with a close group of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, niece, Jami Leverton, and nephew, Jeffrey Mankin.

He is survived by his sisters, Joyce Palmer and Janice (Vaughn) Musselman; his half brother, Jim (Chris) Mankin; and his nieces and nephews, Howard Keith, Elaine (Matt) Youngman, Angela (Danny) Thewes, and Katashia Hoff. He is also survived by his children, Becky Braska, Michelle (Wade) Anderson, and David Beck; his grandchildren, Courtney (John) Dobbins, Sariah Ringgold, Mikala Braska, Nicholas Beck, Brianna Mendiola Beck, and Daniel Mendiola Beck; and his great grandchildren, Caleb Dobbins, Anthony Dobbins, Madison Ringgold, Raiden Tessler, Delilah Beck, Mason Beck, and Grayson Beck.

A visitation for Donald will be held at Draper Mortuary, 811 North Mountain Ave, Ontario, CA 91762, US, on March 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A funeral service will take place at Draper Mortuary, 811 North Mountain Ave, Ontario, CA 91762, US, on March 26, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A committal service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, US, on March 26, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 12:55 pm.