Donald Ray Pixler was born January 2, 1956 in Brush, Colorado to Delores and Jack Pixler. He passed away on June 15, 2022 in Ft Morgan, Colorado at the age of 66.
Don grew up in Yuma and graduated from Yuma High School in 1975. Don was active in scouting from a young age, participating in many scouting jamborees and pine wood derby’s. In high school Don played football and basketball all 4 years.
Along with teasing his younger sisters, he enjoyed working on his Mustang (which he still owned) and ‘dragging’ Main with his friends. He spent summers helping his Grandpa Brandner working in the wheat fields.
After graduation, Don joined the Navy and proudly served for 20 years. He served on board the USS Bradley and the McKee which involved Western Pacific cruises to the Philippine Islands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Pakistan, Kenya, Australia and Guam. He served aboard ship in Iraq during the Khomeni takeover and Desert Storm.
Don met Leilani Perez when she was an exchange student at YHS. They married and were parents to three children; Jared Tyrel, Jessica Ann and Justin Kyle. The family spent time based in Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Don and Lani would divorce but remained close in raising the kids.
After retiring from the Navy in 1995, he stayed in San Diego to be near the children. During that time he worked briefly at Home Depot and began his second career at Walmart. Don stayed in California to be sure his sons were doing well and then decided to move to Colorado in 2010 to be with his mother. It was then that he started working at Walmart in Ft Morgan.
He enjoyed working there and made many friends. He had been considering retirement but was reluctant because he would miss the friendships.
Don’s sons accomplishments, Jared’s production company and Justin’s animation skills, were always a source of pride.
In 2018 Don drove to San Francisco to visit his son, Justin and his wife Amanda who were expecting their first child. After having dinner together, Amanda went into labor and gave birth to Cora George – Don’s granddaughter. He was so happy to have been there for Cora’s birth and doted over her ever
Don was preceded in death by his father, Jack. His grandparents, Ed and Martha Brandner and Neva and Bruce Yingling, all from Colorado.
He is survived by his children Jared, Jessica and Justin, Justin’s wife, Amanda and granddaughter Cora all of San Diego California. His mother Delores of Yuma. His sister Jackie Casillas and husband Gerardo of Pennsylvania. Their children Amanda and fiancée Mike of California and Rachel, Rob and Brody of Pennsylvania. His sister Julie Weaver and husband Jack of Texas. Their children Anthony and Erica and Amy, Kipp, Waverly and Monroe of Colorado. Aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.
2022-07-01