Donald Leroy Hall

Don was a loyal, compassionate man who was committed to his family and his wife. With a deep appreciation for the world around him, Don strove to make each day beautiful, and lived his life with enthusiasm and flair. He was a true blessing and treasure to those who knew him.

In the year 1943, when Donald's story begins, the world was a place of violence and chaos as the fierce battles of WWII were being fought. As the United States entered the war just a year before, American boys were fighting bravely in the Phillipeans, the Pacific and North Africa, and were busy preparing for a full scale invasion of Europe. Folks back home were busy supporting their troops working in factories, rationing, and building victory gardens. It was an exciting time, full of great sorrows and moments of joy. But Donald Oscar and Dorothy Mae (Black) Hall were distracted from the excitement around them as they prepared their home in Omaha, Nebraska for the arrival of a new child. On March 4, 1943, they welcomed a new baby into the world, a son who they named Donald Leroy.

Don spent most of his childhood in Witchita, Kansas as well as Iowa and Nebraska. His siblings included three brothers, Stephen, Michael and William and five sisters, Susan, Claudia, Diane, Ramona and Patricia. Although Don's childhood was not an easy one, he developed great tenderness and an awe of life that would become a major part of his character. These were just a few of the characteristics and life leasons learned from a devoted, Christian mother. He was a creative man and often invented things that would make life easier. Throughout his childhood, he was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America. Close and committed to his family, he learned love and respect for his country at a young age from his Uncle Clair Caskey. His Uncle had served as a co-pilot in United States Air Force during WWII, and he greatly influenced Donald's life. It was because of his Uncle Clair that Donald developed a love for flying, and served his country in the United States Air Force.

When Donald was still a child, he met a young girl named Carole while attending church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Though the two lost contact over time, they met again 40 years later, and felt that same spark and love they had for each other when they were younger. On August 14, 1996, Don married his best friend and soulmate, Carolyn Ruth Turner, in Flower Mound, Texas. As Don and Carol's relationship grew, Don was fiercely loyal to Carol. They enjoyed their life together, and Carol was proud to call Don her husband.

Don was a hard worker during his life, after retirement from the auto sales business and he later worked driving a school bus. He loved the opportunity this gave him to be with kids. Don had great stories he often shared about the antics of the first graders on the bus. In his spare time, Don enjoyed doing yard work, and often puttered around in the shop in his garage. He liked spending time outdoors boating and fishing. He was an avid reader with an interest in history, especially knowlegable in WWII and politics. He took great pride decorating and caring for his home, as it was Carole and Don's sanctuary from the world. Don loved his siblings and family, was always proud of their successes, and respected their integrity. Throughout his life, Don was a good listener and a skilled problem solver; he could always be counted on when anyone needed help.

Donald passed away at the Flower Mound Presbyterian Hospital, Flower Mound, Texas on Saturday, March 05, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Carole of Flower Mound, Texas; mother Dorothy Hall of Council Bluffs, Iowa; stepsons Aaron Duncan of Lewisville, Texas and Anthony Duncan of Wichita, Kansas; brother William (June) Hall of Council Bluffs, Iowa; sisters Claudia (Andrew) Besco of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Ramona (Monte) Bracker of Neola, Iowa, Patricia Krause of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Susan (Bruce) Schreffler of Bourbonnais, Illinois and Diane (Horace) Revels of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; aunt Ruby Caskey of Council Bluffs, Iowa; mother in law Clara Turner of Spirit Lake, Iowa; brother in law and sister in law Jerry (Jan) Turner of Spirit Lake, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Donald Oscar Hall, son Philip Hall, father in law Rev. Cecil Turner, infant brother Stephen Hall, brother Michael Hall, uncle Clair Caskey, maternal grandparents Claude and Bessie Black, paternal grandparents Hertha and Elmer Hall, aunt and uncle Donald and Norma Lorenzen, cousin Daniel Lorenzen and a nephew Casey Bokhoven.

A time for family and friends to gather will be held at the church Friday March 11, 2011 from 10:30am until the 12:00pm funeral services. Funeral services will be held at the First Assembly of God Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Friday March 11, 2011 at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or to family wishes. To leave a special memory, share a photo, view Don's video tribute or sign his online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.