Donnie, as he was known in his childhood, grew up on the farm and later raised Black Angus cattle on that same farm.
Don married Konnie Hale Rhodes and her two year old son Jeffrey in 1963. They managed the Pay-Ont Drive In Theater and also owned and operated Don's Dinner Den (the former Inn and Out).
Charles "Chuck" was added to the family in 1964. They sold the restaurant and gave up managing the theater to move onto the family farm to milk cows. He did this for several years and during this time he also drove school bus.
Don was instrumental in restoring the old Fruitland High School when a group formed a 501C3 non-profit and made it the Olde School Community Center. He enjoyed taxidermy and woodworking, was an avid fisherman and loved to hunt birds and big game.
Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Konnie; two sons and their wives, Jeffrey and Carla, Charles "Chuck" and Ronda; six grandchildren (listed in chronological order), Layna (Zachary) Martin, Evan, Colin, Chas (Gabrielle), Trinity, and Nelson; great grandson, Charles Darius Baines born December 26, 2018; his brother, Johnnie (Judy) and his sister, Mall Letha Summer.
Don rode his four-wheeler to meet Jesus on December 20, 2018. He died suddenly at home. He will be missed by family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD through Alma Mater, Inc. P.O. Box 904, Fruitland, Idaho 83619.
