Don was born on June 3, 1930 to Wendell Howard & Eva Estelle (Nowlen) Greenhalge in Milliken, Colorado. He lived on the family farm until age 5 when his father died. His mother insisted they move to Denver, Colorado to be near her brothers. He grew up in Denver and graduated from East High School. After a few odd jobs, he joined the U.S. Air National Guard in 1950. A few months after he joined, they were activated. He served part of his time at Rapid City Air Force Base working in early warning radar and the next part in Kansas City, Missouri with the ADC Communication Organization. He was discharged in 1953 and served the rest of his four year term at Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado. He then went to work for Sturgeon Electric Company where he would work for the next 44 years as a Journeyman, Foreman, and Project Manager.
He married Alice Joelean Earley, on June 26, 1955. To that union was born a daughter Debra Jo, and sons Scott Howard and Stanley Dee.
Don was an active member of the Columbine Lions Service Club for 30 years and collected eyeglasses and delivered magnifying readers to those in need.
He and Joelean enjoyed square dancing with the Hix and Chix for 30 years.
They were Arizona snowbirds for thirteen years going to Mesa to square dance and golf.
Don was a member of First United Methodist Church (Heart of Longmont) since 1978, participating on many committees, and actively working on remodels and handyman days. He also assisted in Habitat for Humanity build days.
He was also a member and starter for the Senior Golfers at Sunset Golf Course in Longmont.
His hobbies included wood working, an avid coin and stamp collector, helping anyone in need and being a staunch supporter of all Colorado sports teams, but was especially fond of the Denver Broncos. He attended numerous Super Bowls and was so excited to be part of the first win!
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joelean, his children Scott and Lynn; Stan and Heather; and one grandson Greg. There is a large extended family left to miss him as well.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Charles and Ken, his daughter Debra, and son-in-law Pat Hansen.
Don and his Nowlen family are descendents of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins who traveled on the Mayflower voyager in 1620 and settled in Plymouth Colony on Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts. John was the youngest signer of the Mayflower Compact and last survivor of the Pilgrim band at age 89. Don’s grandson Greg is the 13th generation of the Alden family.
A memorial service will be held at the Heart of Longmont United Methodist Church, 350-11th Ave. on Saturday, February 9 at 2 p.m. with a light reception to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart of Longmont UMC in Don’s name.
Cremation entrusted to Howe Mortuary and Crematory. Visit www.howemortuary.com to share condolences and memories.
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