Don was born Oct. 29, 1929, in Mechanicsville, Iowa, to Emil and Clara Bunge. He graduated high school in 1949. Donald then went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 through 1954. He was united in marriage to Marilyn D. Rudner on June 19, 1955, in Burbank, Calif.
They soon moved to Los Angeles to begin their family, where their two sons Kenneth and Steven were born. In 1963, Don attended Los Angeles Trade – Technical School, where he received his associate in art degree in aircraft mechanics. He started working at Pan America Airways while also attending California State College in Long Beach, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in 1967. They then moved to Fountain Valley, where he went on to pursue a teaching degree which he received from The State of California in 1969.
He soon became a supervisor in the aviation industry and continued his career for many years until a heart attack forced him into retirement in 1990. Donald and Marilyn then moved from California to Moab, Utah, for their retirement, where they became involved with the Red Rock Four Wheelers and had many adventures with their family and friends. Donald always had a great love for rocks and fossils and was a member of the Moab Rock Club. Don and Marilyn were active members of the First Baptist Church of Moab.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; his brothers, Allen (Sharon), Jerry (Karen), and Richard (Jean); sons, Kenneth (Betty), and Steven (Beverly); grandchildren, Kassey, Cory, Shauna, Junior, and Allan; as well as his great-grandchildren, Braeden, Sophia and Jesse.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brothers, Kenneth and Bobby; and his sisters, Evelyn, Florence and Lois.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 420 MiVida Drive.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.