Donald Ernest Enns

1933 - 2013

Donald Ernest Enns June 17, 1933 - November 11, 2013 Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Donald Enns, went home to live with his Savior on November 11, 2013 after succumbing to complications from Parkinsonism. Don was preceded in death by his brother Arnold Jr., his mother Virginia, his father Arnold and Stepmother Eve and Grand Daughter Ashleigh Villa Gomez. Don was born in Bakersfield, CA on June 17, 1933 to Arnold and Virginia Enns. He was the 3rd of four siblings: Arnold Jr., Lorrie and Marilyn. Don grew up in Shafter, CA where his dad, Arnold, was a ranch foreman and his mother, Virginia, worked at the local pharmacy. He attended Richland Elementary School and East Bakersfield High School (Class of '51). During high school, Don excelled in track and field, winning many medals. Upon his brother Arnold Jr.'s death in August, 1946 Don showed his brother's steer at the Kern County Fair the following month. While attending Bakersfield College, Don joined the golf team at Bakersfield College. One of Don's most prized possessions was his Bakersfield College Life Pass #180. Don loved camping at Balch Park and Mammoth Pools, dove hunting season, Pismo Beach, and fruit and vegetable gardening. Don shared his deep love of these activities with his wife, children, grandchildren, his sisters' and their families and lifetime friends Bill St. Claire and Don McPherson and their families. His love of golf, however, was not shared with the family. Instead it was shared with Bakersfield City Fire Department friends Emery Barnes, Bill Goatcher, Owen Palmer, Max Morris and one other whose name we cannot locate. Upon attaining his A.A. from Bakersfield College ('53), Don lived with his sister Lorrie and her husband Jim for a couple of years while working as a rough carpenter. Don was drafted into the United States Army in August, 1956 serving his time at Fork Lewis, Washington. Upon returning to Bakersfield, after being honorably discharged in 1958, Don worked briefly as an Accounting Clerk for Mohawk Refinery and then Texaco before beginning a 20 year career with the Bakersfield City Fire Department. Don is survived by his wife Arlene, daughters Paula Harris and Diana Enns, sons Cameron Enns and Ronald Enns, son-in-law Wes Harris, daughter-in-laws Shellie Enns and Laura Enns, grandchildren Nikki Kaltenberg, Jessica Harris, Brienne Ramey, Alyssa Bispo Brock Baize, Alan Villagomez, Aaron Enns and Austin Enns. Don is also survived by 8 great grandchildren. He left this earth after being surrounded by family, caregivers at The Trinity Residential Care Facility and Optimal Hospice who cared for and loved him. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker Street, Bakersfield, CA on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 am. Dad may not have found the medical miracle he was hoping for but instead the miracle came in the way of the Ernie and Wilma Edra and their wonderful staff at the Trinity Residential Care Facility as well as Optimal Hospice. Words cannot begin to express how wonderful the Trinity cared for dad. We are forever grateful. www.bakersfield.com/obits