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Donald Russell Allen was born in Picher OK Jan 14, 1928 to Elender and James Allen. He had a sister Eloise, and a brother Larry in the following years and at the age of about 15 moved to Avenal CA where he learned to fly with a man by the name of Robert DeVault. Donald flew Robert's personal aircraft and had his first solo flight to chandler airfield in Fresno and back to Avenal in 1946. That same year he graduated from Avenal high school, and Enlisted in the Army where he trained in the 82nd airborne glider school, and served as a machine operator and clerk until march of 1948. Donald lived in San jose California, worked as a real estate salesman and met his first wife Josephine with who he had a son Bruce, in August of 1949. Still in the Army reserves he was called to active duty in Sept 1950. In feb 1951 he was sent to Korea with the 6th and 300th where he served as an aircraft mechanic until Sept 1951. Donald came back to California, continued to fly and studied electronics, eventually working for Varian Assoc. By 1965 he had married his second wife Shirley and had another son Jason in 1969 at the age of 41. This began a new chapter for Donald where he continued his work in electronics with Laser technology for Spectra physics, AGL and owned a business for many years until his retirement in 1998. Donald had experienced all of the good in life, family, marriage, children, grandchildren and a long career. With the good he also suffered hard times. War, divorce, the loss of loved ones including his sister Eloise and son Bruce. In the last few months of Donald’s life he told his son, “I have lived a long full life, but there are many things I could have done better.” He after all was human, and realized that no matter how long you live, there were sill things to learn. Donald was generous, had a warm smile, a firm handshake and could charm you with his vibrant blue eyes. He made friends whereever he went and with all kinds of people. Donald had a sharp wit and sharper sense of humor. “I remember the most I ever heard my dad laugh was at funniest home videos on TV back in the 80’s. I remember thinking how great it was when he laughed so hard, making every trip and fall that much more funny. I always enjoyed our TV time.” - Jason Donald however, never took himself seriously, and tried to live by the golden rule expecting no less of others. Donald is survived by his wife Shirley of 49 years, his son Jason, stepson Daniel, daughters in-law Danielle and Lori. Grandchildren, Michele, Jennifer, Jamison, Mitchel, Leah, Emma and Taylor. His brother Larry and sister in-law Helen as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. And then there were the children he loved as his own, Karen, Richard, Bob and Holly

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DONALD RUSSELL ALLEN

January 14, 1928 - October 21, 2015