Donald Ray Weatherbee

Donald Ray "Don" Weatherbee, 81, passed away peacefully in Redding on May 4, 2024. He was born on September 7, 1942 in Cove, Arkansas and moved with his family to northern California as a boy. The family settled in the Summit City area of what is now the City of Shasta Lake and he attended Toyon School, Central Valley High School, and Shasta College where he was a standout baseball player and notably pitched a perfect game in a 1-0 win against conference rival American River College. Following college, Don served honorably in the United States Navy. His stories about his time in the Navy were often centered around playing baseball and basketball against teams from other ships.

Don and Frances Gail Evans were married on July 2, 1965 and remained married for 58 years. Don leaves behind his wife Frances, son Russ Weatherbee (Kim), daughter Paula Weatherbee, grandson Bryan Cook, and granddaughters Jamie Weatherbee, Jacklyn Cook, and Sarah Weatherbee as well as 4 great grandchildren and a sister, Gayle Hopper. He was preceded in death by his father William Russell Weatherbee, mother Elva Lorene Daniels, and a sister, Kay Weatherbee.

Don worked in the propane business for most of his career, beginning as a serviceman and eventually serving as the local manager of Suburban Propane in Redding for many years. Upon his retirement from Suburban Propane, he operated a small propane repair business.

Don enjoyed playing guitar and singing and over the years was a member of several local bands. He and his wife Fran were also regular participants at square dances around the north state. Don was an accomplished trap and skeet shooter and former president of the Redding Gun Club and life member of the NRA. He coached youth baseball for many years and held strong opinions about how the game should be played. He was also passionate about the many bird dogs that he trained for field trials and upland game bird hunting which he looked forward to every fall.

Don especially enjoyed fishing on Shasta Lake with friends and family and was always sure to remind his companions at the end of the day who had caught the most fish!

Don was a member of the Shasta Lake Church of Latter Day Saints.

Graveside services and interment will be at the Northern California Veteran's Cemetery in Igo, CA.