Donald Wayne Rafferty

February 22, 1929 – September 1, 2024

Donald (Don) Rafferty was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1929, to his parents, Vincent and Helen (Brock) Rafferty. Don grew up on the family farm in Dover, KS and graduated at Dover High School in 1947. He joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Biloxi, MS. He was enlisted September 1950 and discharged 1954 during the Korean War as Sergeant Radar technician. Don was part of the first division to use radar on airplanes, doubling the range of early detection of potential attacks from Korea, Russia and China.

After his service, he went on to work at Boeing Aircraft in the Aerospace industry, working in quality control during the Cold War era race to develop missile weaponry, ranging from the Atlas to Minuteman programs in Montana, Arkansas and Indiana.

Don was married to Donna Stuewe, in Kansas, from 1960 to 1983. They were blessed with three sons; Vincent (Colleen) Rafferty, Wayne (Tiffany) Rafferty and Alden (Kimberly) Rafferty; seven grandchildren; Bryan (Miranda), Dane, Jacob, Carly, Katharine, Stauzya and Kaila; and three great grandchildren; Brooke, Brandy and Rhyatt.

The family moved to Colorado in 1969, where Don worked at Beech Aircraft then entered the real-estate business. Don also coached little league baseball and enjoyed watching his sons play. He then worked as an RTD bus operator before retiring in the 1990’s.

Don also enjoyed traveling and went on many adventures later in life.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; a sister Darlene and five brothers, Byron, Calvin, Gerald, Harold and Jim. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Don will be missed by family and friends.

Military honors were performed by the American Legion Post 32 in Longmont, CO. October 11, 2024.