Donald C Stoner

Born January 8, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ella Arminda Robinson and John (Jack) Ivan Stoner. His family resided in the old 15th Ward area of Salt Lake City, attending Franklin Elementary, Jordan Jr. and West High Schools. His grandmother, Annie Robinson, lived with the family and provided lots of love and a soft place to land. Moved to California to live with Aunt Leida and Uncle Henry on their farm. Tried to hitch-hike back to SLC several times. Very gregarious and loved to tease and make people laugh. He liked to imitate Jerry Lewis. Joined the United States Navy in January 1954.
Assigned to the USS Hancock and traveled to many far away places. He liked to tell anyone that would listen that he traveled around the world twice before he was 20 years old. He visited Japan and sent gifts home for Christmas. A Cinderella watch in a glass (plastic) slipper for Kathie and a beautiful set of dishes for Mother. I remember the excitement of hiding the dishes from Mom.
Among his favorite places to visit were Barcelona Spain, Hawaii, Pago-Pago, Gibraltar and San Diego. And any other place that had water to swim and dive.
He tried to enjoy civilian life for about 6 months and then joined the US Marines for 16 more years.
He loved being a Marine. He loved discipline and camaraderie. He loved his country enough to make the Military- life his career. Camp Pendleton, Jacksonville Florida, Kaneohe or El Toro or his three tours of VietNam. And many other stations he called home.
Along the way he Married Annette Snow, Evelyn Jorgensen, Ilene Tremeling, and Marilyn. He never had children of his own but adopted a few. Andrea, deceased, Kathy, deceased, Shane, Debbie.
He loved spending time with Kathie's children and grandchildren. He enjoyed their hugs and kisses and the attention they brought to him. He was patient, as he taught them computer games and they shared artwork/schoolwork with him. He always gave them something before they left. Sometimes it was money, other times a trinket or a sculptured eagle from his collection.
He resided with his sister, Kathie and Ken in Midvale for five years and moved to The Legacy House of Taylorsville for 19 months. He enjoyed all the people he met there and he liked to visit Wendover as often as he could. Before passing, he was serenaded by his musical therapist, Laura. She was one of his angels. He loved her and her music. As she sang his favorite Elvis Presley songs and Italian opera, he would sometimes join in the singing.
He is survived by his brother, John I Stoner and Revona, Arizona, sisters, Kathie Gates and Ken,
Utah, Vicki Tindel and Diane Pullen of Calif. Many cousins, nieces and nephews and great- nieces and nephews and loving friends.
Don passed away from heart failure at the age of 86 while in the kind and loving care of Legacy House of Taylorsville. During his final months he was surrounded by many wonderful and loving angels in human form. He made friends with all of them.
Everyone at the Legacy loved him, residents, visitors and care-givers and he loved them. He had an amazing way of giving and loving like no other. We truly thank them for their care.
Memorial services, Aug 21, 2024, 10:00 am, Utah Veterans Cemetery Chapel, 17111 South Camp Williams Road. (Redwood Rd), Bluffdale, Utah.84065
See full obituary: www.premierfuneral.com