Donold Lee Elson Obituary (1935 - 2010)

Donold "Don" Lee Elson was born 8 Oct 1935 to Harold E. and Violet A. Elson in Glendale, CA. He passed away peacefully on 7 June 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Harold M. Elson, and sister, Beverly V. Bree. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol J. "Jean" Elson; a brother, Thomas A. Elson of Hartford, IL; five children: Donald (Melanie), Karen (Leonard) Grammer, Douglas, Kristina, and Kathi (Mike) Van Etten; and eight grandchildren: Ashley, Donold, Ariel, Hannah, Steven, Jeffrey, Adam, and Maggie. Don was a Korean War veteran serving in the USAF as an aircraft mechanic on the B-36 Peacemaker and the KC-97 Stratotanker aircraft. Don worked in the telecommunications industry for 42 years, starting as a telephone lineman and retiring as a superintendent for a regional telecommunications company in charge of construction. He also participated in the Telephone Pioneers--a program that included working with the blind. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching NASCAR races--especially Kyle Busch's rowdy spirit--working around his property, old and vintage cars, and working with his hands. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandpa, and friend; he is greatly missed.