Don H. Hein

Forever Soaring: Devoted Dad & Grandpa, Decorated Air Force Colonel, Steadfast Dallas Cowboys Fan, and True Texan

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved dad and grandpa, Don Henry Hein, who died peacefully on February 9, 2025, in San Diego, California, shortly after the Super Bowl—just as the true football fan would have wanted.

Don was born on June 20, 1936, in Houston, Texas, the cherished son of Dolores D’Acosta Hein and Heinrich (“Henry”) Hein. He grew up alongside his siblings, David and Natalie, and graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston in 1954, where he was an ROTC cadet.

Continuing his education, Don earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. Additionally, he graduated from the Army War College in 1970.

Don proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 until his retirement in 1988 at the rank of Colonel. During his 33 years of service as a Command pilot, he flew the B-52, B-47, and C-130, accumulating 5,400 hours of flight time—2,400 of which were in combat, across 787 missions in Vietnam and 91 other military missions. Among his many honors, Don received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with an additional thirteen honors, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device & Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Longevity Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, all with additional honors.

After retiring from the Air Force, Don settled in a golf community in Palm Desert, where he lived for over twenty years, enjoying the camaraderie of great friends and serving as Vice President of the HOA for ten years. He loved golfing, spending time with his family, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, indulging in Gulf oysters, watching classic westerns, listening to classical music, enjoying the company of longtime friends, and an occasional cigar.

Don is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Tiffany and Michael Golden, and Michelle (Paige) and Chuck Cattano; his grandchildren Cate, Audrey, Carson, and Hadley; and his nieces and nephews He was a family-first man that instilled confidence, commitment to goals and dreams.

A private military burial will be held on February 18, 2025. May Don’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.