Donald Paul Vincelette

1935 - 2024

Donald Paul Vincelette, 89, of Yucca Valley, passed away at home on May 5, 2024, after a long, hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's.

He was born January 19, 1935 in Billings, Montana to Paul and Florence Vincelette. He had an older sister, Jacki Merritt Bjorgum.

He was proud of his Montana heritage. Being an outstanding athlete, he participated in all high school sports, with baseball being his all-time favorite. At the age of 16, Don was offered a contract with the Chicago Cubs, to become the first "bonus baby." Don was a proud member of the American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame and Montana Fast Pitch Baseball Hall of Fame. Since the age of 8 years of age, Don had been an avid New York Yankees fan. At the age of 9, Don had the privilege of meeting Babe Ruth. The Babe gave him an autographed baseball. During a summer pick up baseball game, no one had a baseball. Don ran home to get his Babe Ruth baseball so the game to proceed.

After graduation from Billings Senior High School, Don joined the Marine Corps reverse in 1953 and then along with 62 other recruits, from Billings, boarded a train for boot camp in San Diego. During his time in the Marine Corps, he served as a drill instructor. Don was very proud to be called a Marine.

Throughout his working career, Don was a building material salesman. He was known for his diligence, hard work and honesty. He made many friends throughout his career and served as president for the Montana Building Materials Salesmen's Association.

His heart throughout his life was serving kids. He was a coach for many of his own children's sports teams, enjoying the thrill of them learning the discipline of being a team member. After retirement, he served the Billings middle schools through an organization called Students Organized Against Risks (SOAR).

In order to be closer to Marsha's family, after retirement, Don and Marsha moved to Yucca Valley, California.

With his wife Marsha at his side, Don died in peace knowing he was meeting Jesus. Don was preceded in death by his oldest son Scott Vincelette, his mother Florence Painter, his sister Jacqueline Merritt Bjorgum, brother-in-law Oscar Bjorgum, brother-in-law Kent Gumina, and father-in-law J.D. Wilson and mother-in-law Elsie Wilson. He is survived by wife Marsha; sons, Todd (Kim) Vincelette, Paul (Melanie) Vincelette, daughter, RaeAnn Vincelette; sisters-in law: Pamela Gumina and Deanna (Lawrence) Salazar; grandchildren Christopher Coulter, Jacob Vincelette, Elleigha Vincelette, Kyuss Vincelette and Autumn Vincelette; great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thank you to the Jesse and Elizabeth Camarena family for the love and care of their adopted Grandpa; our brothers and sisters of the Seekers Study; Jason Vance and the Malette family for their love and care for Don.

Celebration of Life services will be held at Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel in Yucca Valley on June 1, at 11:00 am.