Don Robert Francis Corbett

Don Robert Francis Corbett was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, December 18, 1935 to Dewey Corbett and Hazel McCarter. He was raised by his loving mother Hazel and grandparents Noah and Elizabeth McCarter on the family farm in Shawnee. Farm life was hard work, but in his spare time young Don learned from Grandpa Noah how to work on his truck and tractor, starting a life-long love of mechanics. The farm was also where Don learned to sing and play guitar. In 1939, mother Hazel married Willard Qualls. Soon, his adoring sister Robbie was born, followed by his baby brother Roddy.

In 1947, Willard, Hazel and family made the big move west to Santa Ana, California. They traveled along old Route 66, as many folks who were “goin’ west” did. Don loved to recall how Willard allowed him to drive during the trip, giving dad an occasional break. Carefully navigating the family car on their epic journey was a big job for an 11-year-old boy! After arriving in Santa Ana, Don attended one-room Greenville School. He went on to attend Garden Grove Union High School where he continued his interest in mechanics, restoring and repairing cars and motorcycles.

In 1954, Don married Shirley White, and in 1955 they had daughter Leanne. After his brief marriage, Don met and married Valerie Bragg. At age 22 he was drafted into the Army and stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. In 1958, twin daughters Kathy and Karen were born to Don and Valerie. He earned his Honorable Discharge from the Army to return home to his wife and daughters, and soon son Kevin was born.

After completing his service in the US Army, Don went to work for Glasspar Boat Company. Before long, Don moved into truck driving, delivering Glasspar boats nationwide. By 1968 he had gained enough experience to strike out on his own and started his trucking business as an owner-operator. Don sold his business in 1981 and moved back to Shawnee to start a car restoration business with his cousin Neil McCarter.

Don loved off-road riding, and in the early days of motocross, took his family on weekend outings where he could ride the California deserts and the back country of Orange County. As he aged, he began to favor four-wheel vehicles more, and in Shawnee, he built a backyard shop where he could rebuild engines and restore cars, a joy he maintained until the day he passed. Over roughly 70 years, Don owned nearly 100 vehicles, and at least 50 motorcycles. At the time of his passing, he still owned a fully restored 1966 Ford Galaxy 500 Convertible, a 1948 Ford pickup, and several other collectible cars, engines, and motorcycles.

Don loved country music and played acoustic, bass, and electric guitars, and banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. In his youth he played in a band, performing at local venues. He loved Hank Williams and knew dozens of country favorites that he could sing in a deep and sonorous voice. The old songs always buoyed his spirits and stuck with him all his life.

Don’s greatest love in life was his momma Hazel. He is survived by his children Leanne Moore of Shreveport, LA, twins Kathy Ansari and Karen Schenden, both of San Clemente, CA, and son Kevin Corbett of Temecula, CA. He is also survived by sister Robbie Wright of Shawnee, OK and Roddy Qualls of Pensacola Florida, and former spouse Valerie Bragg Shubert of Winchester, CA. At the time of his passing Don boasted a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, with more on the way!