Donald Ray Pinon

Donald Ray Pinon, a sweet, handsome, loving husband, who we fondly call dad, dedicated to God and his family was taken home to be with his Heavenly Father on October 26, 2015. It was determined that he was taken by an aortic aneurysm.

Dad was born on October 14, 1929 in Gridley, Kansas to Everett and Lillian Pinon. He had one older brother, Lloyd, an older sister, Alma, a younger sister, Lila (who’s here with us today) and a younger brother, Harley. Dad grew up in Kansas and helped his dad with the family business. He gave his life to God and was baptized on December 14, 1947. When Dad was 18 years old, he left the family business, got on a train and went to Ottumwa, Iowa to attend Midwestern School of Evangelism. He received his Bachelor of Sacred Literature degree in 1953 and was ordained to the ministry in Hutchinson, Kansas that same year.

Dad’s passion was to win souls to Christ and to build the kingdom of God. He answered God’s call by preaching in several churches while he was in Bible college. Monroe City, Indiana was one of the first towns in which he preached as a student. This is where he met his bride, Geraldine Mildred Smith, who he married on January 29, 1950. While still in school, God blessed them with two adorable little girls, Arla Faye & RaDonna Kay. Arla grew up and married Gary Nichols and they live in Loveland, Colorado. RaDonna grew up and married Jerry Smith and they live in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

He began his first full time ministry in Brazil, Indiana. In 1957 they moved to Denver, Colorado where two more blessings came along, Donetta Sue and Jerald Ray. Donetta grew up and married Stan Rodda who went to be with God in 1998 and now she is happily married to Randy Kirkman, who had lost his wife, Candice, that same year. Randy and Donetta now reside in Kansas City, Missouri. Jerald Ray (hasn’t grown up yet) married his sweetheart, Nikke and they live in Castle Rock, Colorado. In 1961 they moved to Gering, Nebraska and the family was blessed with Janice Lu being born there. When she grew up, she married Craig Embree and they reside in Galax, Virginia.

In 1989 Mom and Dad moved to Colorado where they labored until God called him home.

Our mother was his loving and faithful companion, helper and confidant to him for 65 years,

8 months, and 28 days, supporting his every endeavor in the good times as well as the difficult times of their lives. None of us heard a harsh word spoken between them. Their love was unfailing. As time has passed, dad’s 5 children began their families, and so the number of descendants began growing. There are 17 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren in this family now, most of which are present here today. What a beautiful legacy he started. His grandson Wesley Ray Pinon, and his great granddaughter, Emmi Faye Nichols, were waiting for him in Heaven, along with both of his brothers and sister.

During his years of ministry, Dad spent hours conducting home Bible studies and traveling the country preaching in revival meetings, camps, soul saving seminars and rallies. He preached thousands of sermons in nearly every state in America, and also preached in Puerto Rico and Nazareth. In 1968 he opened the Church of Christ Bible Training School and began training young men and women to win souls and build churches. The school was later called Scottsbluff School of Evangelism and then Rocky Mountain School of Evangelism. In 1969 Dad was honored when Archie Word came to serve with him in his ministry. They worked happily together for over 18 years. Along with several of his students, Dad was inspirational in planting several churches, which he fondly called lighthouses. Dad has been an inspiration to thousands of people all over the country through his teachings and his wonderful example of personal dedication to God. Last year Vic Knowles presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his outstanding service to God.

Dad will be greatly missed by all of us. His life and legacy will continue on through the many lives that he has touched by his undying love for God and His church.