Don McCracken

Don Robert McCracken born on April 25, 1953 in North Carolina to Don Robert McCracken Sr. & Nancy Jane (Brown) McCracken. His father was in the Army and they traveled in his younger years finally settling In El Paso Texas. Don passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 72.

He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1971 and served until 1973. He loved the look of the Marine uniform as it commanded authority and respect to all who saw it. He was awarded The Good Conduct Metal.

No one could deny he was always very strange and unique in so many ways. He had a love of motorcycles, having one to ride most of his life. He was always open for a good game of chess no matter the abilities of the competitor. He could create laughter with a simple magic trick and could easily draw a crowd wherever he went.

He met the love of his life in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 32. After three years together, they parted ways only to be reunited fifteen years later by what they called an intervention by God. Don and Karen settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. Don was passionate about spreading the word of God by way of T-shirts printed with John 3:16 in English and many other languages including one in Klingon that his brother-in-law wore proudly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Nancy McCracken, and his beloved Cat Noah.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Karen McCracken. Daughter Jennifer (Eddie) Farina and a son Paul Robert Lee. Granddaughter Layda Lee. Grandsons Charlie Strickland and DayDay Farina. Sisters Snookie (Larry) Harper and Sandy (Dwight) Airington both of El Paso, Texas. He also leaves behind a multitude of friends and strangers that he ministered to on the streets of Salt Lake City, Utah.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, July 13th in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City on the East side of the park where the Drum Circle meets on Sundays (just south of the pond). He felt the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) when he listened to the rhythm of the drums.