Don Erwin Pesnell February 14, 1932 ~ September 3, 2018 Don Erwin Pesnell passed away at his home at the age of 86 on Monday, September 3, 2018. He was born February 14, 1932 in Hobbs, New Mexico to David Proctor and Edna Marie Downs Pesnell. He grew up in Weimer, Texas, where he graduated for Weimer High School.
Don was active in scouting and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Following graduation, his family moved to Abilene, Kansas to be close to family. Don joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 20 years as a flight mechanic and flight engineer, a career he loved.
While in Basic Training, Don met the love of his life, Norma Jean Gregory. In 1950, when he was 18 years old, he served 19 months in Korea, during the Korean Conflict. He returned to the states and they were married on September 14, 1952.
During their marriage they lived in Texas, Kansas, Japan, Turkey, California and Utah. Don and Norma were blessed with seven children – six daughters and one son. In July of 1959, while living in Texas, they joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
On March 8, 1962, they were sealed in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Don remained active in his faith throughout his life, serving in many callings including an 18 month mission at the Ogden Cannery and as a temple worker for five years in the Ogden Temple. Don had a lifelong love for airplanes and flying.
He always had the dream of building and flying his own airplane, which he did upon retiring, He chose to build a Rutan Long-EZE, taking four years to carefully and meticulously build his plane. He flew this plane for 11 years, taking family and friends on many adventures. He was forced to sell when his health no longer allowed him to fly, however, his plane still flies to this day.
He had a passion for reading, travel, building things and flying. Don will be remembered for his sense of humor, his ability to show unconditional love and acceptance for friends and family alike, and for his love of learning. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma; their children, Gayla Pesnell, Lisa (Hayden) Smith, Tammy (Ken) Lloyd, Nona Blotter, Tanya (John Nichols), Tye (Shantel) Pesnell; his sister, Barbara Kingsbury; 28 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Shaunna (Peter) Naylor; his brothers, Gary (Judy) Pesnell and Jim (Wilma) Pesnell. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2019 at the West Point 4th Ward Chapel, 2852 West 300 North. The family will meet with friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Interment, West Point City Cemetery.
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