Donald Compton Tucson, Arizona Obituary

Donald Compton

Donald Virgil Compton 81, loving father and devoted grandfather and great grandfather, passed away in Tucson October 15, 2011. Don was born in Denver on July 16, 1930 and attended West High School. He joined the Navy in 1948 and served in the Korean War. He transferred to the Air Force in 1957 and served in several countries around the world before returning to the states. We all will remember Don's love for travel. He had a unique knack for foreign languages and attended an immersion program in Washington D.C. to learn Vietnamese and used that talent as an interrogator during the Viet Nam war. He returned to the states and retired from the military in Colorado, where he enjoyed success as a Fleet Manager for the cities of Boulder and Lakewood. One of his proudest accomplishments was his role in the founding of the Rocky Mountain Fleet Managers Association, which he was an active member into his later years. He retired from Lakewood in 1985 and moved to Tucson. Don had a passion for boating and fishing as well as his motorcycle, which he rode until he was 76. He loved animals, especially his dog, Duke. They gave him great comfort. He was very active in AA and considered it his duty to mentor younger people through their struggles. Above all, he was very patriotic and deeply loved his country. He is survived by his sons, Ric and Mike, his daughter, Kathy; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. It was Don's wish to receive a military burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Services will be held Grave Side at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011. There will be an informal service in Tucson in early November. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting a donation to the Tucson chapter of AA. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Avalon Chapel.
July 16, 1930 - October 15, 201107/16/193010/15/2011
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Obituary

Donald Virgil Compton 81, loving father and devoted grandfather and great grandfather, passed away in Tucson October 15, 2011. Don was born in Denver on July 16, 1930 and attended West High School. He joined the Navy in 1948 and served in the Korean War. He transferred to the Air Force in 1957 and served in several countries around the world before returning to the states. We all will remember Don's love for travel. He had a unique knack for foreign languages and attended an immersion program in Washington D.C. to learn Vietnamese and used that talent as an interrogator during the Viet Nam war. He returned to the states and retired from the military in Colorado, where he enjoyed success as a Fleet Manager for the cities of Boulder and Lakewood. One of his proudest accomplishments was his role in the founding of the Rocky Mountain Fleet Managers Association, which he was an active member into his later years. He retired from Lakewood in 1985 and moved to Tucson. Don had a passion for boating and fishing as well as his motorcycle, which he rode until he was 76. He loved animals, especially his dog, Duke. They gave him great comfort. He was very active in AA and considered it his duty to mentor younger people through their struggles. Above all, he was very patriotic and deeply loved his country. He is survived by his sons, Ric and Mike, his daughter, Kathy; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. It was Don's wish to receive a military burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Services will be held Grave Side at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011. There will be an informal service in Tucson in early November. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting a donation to the Tucson chapter of AA. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Avalon Chapel.

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