Donald R. Stacks

1928 - 2013

Donald R. Stacks
July 19, 1928 - March 16, 2013
Resident of San Jose
Master Sergeant Donald R. Stacks, USMC Retired, passed away peacefully at home in San Jose on March 16, 2013. He was born in Stamford, Texas on July 19, 1928, the third child of four to Jess Delane and Jo (Dobson) Stacks Sr. Don is survived by his loving wife Oneita, son Leonard, daughter Pamela (Alison) and grandson Andy; in Texas, his brother Jess Delane Stacks Jr. and sons Rick, Christopher, and Dee, and their families, his brother-in-law John Berner and nieces Sarah, Lou Ellen, Chris and son Lane, and nephew Walter (Becky) and sons Jonathon and Robert. Survived by dear sister-in-law Connie and brother-in-law Harry Hernandez Sr., niece Oneita Cragg (Chris) and daughters Sierra, Sadie and Delaney, nephew Harry Jr. (Ekaterina) and daughter Svetlana, and dear friends Homer and Anna Diaz and children, and fellow SIR and friend John Sargent. Preceded in death by his parents, older brother Ted and dear sister, Peggy, and his in-laws Harry and Isabel Horton.
Don was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas and attended Wichita Falls High School where he was active in football and basketball. He launched his career with the Marine Corps as a teletype operator, cryptographer and communications chief. He served in the Marine Corps for 20 years including tours at the Pentagon, Korea and Vietnam conflicts. He was awarded the Naval Commendation Medal for setting up communications in Da Nang, Vietnam. In civilian life, he resided in San Jose and worked predominantly in the semi-conductor industry in communications, retiring from IBM.
Don was a social fellow and in retirement he served his community with an appointment to the County's Senior Commission on Aging, an active participant with South Side Community Center, was a Little and Big SIR with the Sons in Retirement, and in his last years going to the San Jose VA respite group. He loved golf. He loved the simple things in life, his family and friends, little children, and dogs and cats. He will be truly missed.
Kaiser Hospice was a great help to Don and his family, and are truly appreciated for the loving care provided. Arrangements are being handled by Oak Hill Mortuary. A private burial at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery will be held. A memorial will be held on April 13th in San Jose for family and friends. Please contact pstacks57@gmail.com for details.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a donation be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203. In memo line please write: In Memory of Donald R. Stacks. Information may be found at: http://www.nmcrs.org/donation2.html