Mr. Donald E. Hamblet Jr.

Donald Earl Hamblet Jr., 47, was born at MCB 29 Palms to Donald and Diane Hamblet Sr., and went to be with his Lord on June 22, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Susan of Barstow; step-children, Christopher Manzanares and his fiancé, Jami of Barstow, Michelle Manzanares of Victorville; his parents, Donald and Diane Hamblet; in-laws, Bob and Helen Derr of Hemet, Steve and Mary Magstadt of Apple Valley; sister, Susan and Ray Gutierrez of Barstow; brothers, Jim Hamblet of Barstow, Greg and Kelly Hamblet of Las Vegas; sister, Patti Hamblet of Barstow; grandchildren, Kaitlin Lagos and Jesse Manzanares; nieces and nephews, Anthony, Nicole and Katelyn Gutierrez, David and Michael Hamblet and Meagan, Jakob and Makenzie Hamblet. Don enjoyed baseball. He played Little League making several All-star teams including Southern California All Stars. Don enjoyed golfing and bowling. He rolled a couple of 300 games and was proud of them. Don loved to play the game of pool and played it faithfully every Wednesday. He played for the American Legion, Desert Springs and Shooters. Don attended several schools growing up including St. James Lutheran School in Imperial Beach, Calif., Daggett Elementary School, Barstow Junior High, Twenty-nine Palms High School, Sun Prairie High School in Wisconsin and graduated Kubaski High School, Okinawa, Japan. While in high school he was a Lieutenant in the JROTC program. At the age of 17 he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved the pinewood derby and making them with his Dad. Don enjoyed country music and through that enjoyment he met his beautiful wife, Susan 17 years ago. He and Susan had so much fun with their Jeep and being a part of the Barstow 4-Wheelers. They went on several camping trips as well as rough rides. He was an avid Raiders, Lakers, and Dodgers fan. He had been employed at the Marine Base since 1985. He liked his work and enjoyed his co-workers at FSD Quality Center where he served as Assistant Branch Head Maintenance Center Liaison. Don, we love you so much. You are with our Lord, but you have not left us and you will be forever in our hearts. A viewing will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. with services following at noon at Mead Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Road. The family would like you to join them at 1 p.m. for a luncheon at the American Legion, 2181 Armory Road. The Final Flight Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss. Be not burdened with time of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’ touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up you heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. Author unknown.