Donald J. Awtrey

1938 - 2024

Donald J Awtrey

November 1, 1938 - February 18, 2024

Clovis, California - Donald Awtrey – the man, the myth, the legend – became a Guardian Angel on February 18, 2024, after complications from a recent fall and broken hip. He joins his beloved wife Audrey and extended family in the heavenly garden.

Don was born on November 1, 1938, in Ringling Oklahoma and spent most of his life in California. He graduated from Kingsburg High School and spent a year in college while he worked for the VA Hospital and Bank of America. Bank of America was lucky for him as he met his wife, and love of his life Audrey there.

Of all his professional pursuits and jobs in finance, Don enjoyed being a bank auditor the most. As he said recently, "I was a damn good auditor." He finally retired at 83 after many years as a certified tax preparer and accountant.

Don and Audrey had one daughter, Tiffiny, who was the traditional Daddy's Girl from the moment of birth. Regardless of her age, she was always his "Princess" and "Baby Girl." Don was an amazing and patient parent who picked up new hobbies (like skiing) while parenting. Don and Audrey later became Papa and LaLa, the treasured grandparents to Jake and Aaron, upon whom the sun rose and set for them. They never missed a baseball or soccer game, or school function. Jake was Papa's co-conspirator for trips to Table Mountain Casino and breakfasts at IHOP, while Aaron was his accomplished chess partner for marathon games. Rumor has it that he taught Aaron so well he even lost the occasional game.

Don loved old movies, old westerns, and John Wayne above all other cowboys. He could name every old movie star and quote every Star Trek episode (the original)' he was a Trekkie before there was such a thing. Eagles and hawks were his favorite winged creatures, and his collection of all things eagle related is legendary. He later grew fond of watching hummingbirds as he believed they were visitations from Audrey after one photo-bombed Jake and Nina's engagement.

Left to cherish Don's memory and miss him for the rest of their lives are Tiffiny and her husband Marc, grandsons Jacob "Jake" (fiancée Nina) and Aaron (fiancée Sofie), sister-in-law Dolores Sladek and nephew Lance Sladek of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and niece Renee Greco and family of Sarasota, Florida. Don was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Cora ("Judy") Dodson, his two brothers Eldon Awtrey and Frank Dodson, and his cousin Helena Wood-Pietro and her family.

Don never liked to make a fuss or be the center of attention, and per his wishes no formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or local animal shelter. The family asks that as you reflect on your friendship with Don, please spend some quality time with your own family.

We will miss Papa's quiet countenance, hearty laugh, dimpled smile, and his sweet gentleness. The hardest thing about loving him is letting him go.