Donald Worthington
February 05, 2013
Donald Eugene Worthington, 84, passed away February 5, 2013, at Mitchellville Care Center. He was born July 19, 1928, in Webster City, Iowa, to George and Gertrude (Bauer) Worthington.
Donald married Beatrice Mae Richards Garner in 1960, and proudly served in the Army National Guard for many years. He moved his family to Sioux Falls where his first granddaughter was born, Holly Lynn. She will always have a special place in his heart. He also lived in Colorado until 1968, before returning to Iowa to be near his parents. In Iowa, his step-son, Ken, and step-daughter-in-law, Pat, were a constant presence in his life. Don was a wonderful grandpa and especially close to Chad and Sarah. He worked as a printer in the newspaper business and for Des Moines Rubber Stamp Co. for 17 years, retiring in 1990. Don remained in Mitchellville in the home he shared with his family for nearly 45 years until moving to his nursing home. He enjoyed listening to baseball games, reading, and canning vegetables from his garden.
Donald is survived by his sister, Charlotte Jackson; step-daughters, Virleen Burke, Beverly (Carroll) Worm, Patricia Garner, and Connie (Rich) Friedman; as well as grandchildren, Thane (Charlene), Camas, Holly (Wendy), Julie, and Jennifer (Scott), Chad, Sarah, and Gavin (Keli); great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jeremy, Kaylea, Tashana, Travis, Shantel, Kristen (Ashley), Ryan, Joshua, Kylie, Justin, Danielle, Dawson, and Landon; two great-great-grandchildren, Lillian Carol and Roman Isaiah; his brother, Warren (Mary) Worthington; along with seven nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bea; his parents; step-son, Kenneth Garner (46); step-daughter, Lorraine Stroman (49); grandsons, Kevin Michael “Mike” (49), Alex (43); great grandsons, Christopher (8) and Joshua (6); great- granddaughter, Nicole Lynn who died at birth; and his nephew, David Worthington. Don was devastated by the loss of his children, and especially his wife Bea. Our family finds peace in knowing he is again with her in spirit.
Funeral services will be 12 p.m., Monday, February 11, 2013, at Hamilton’s Mitchellville Funeral Home, 303 Center Avenue S., with burial following at Graceland Cemetery in Webster City, Iowa. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.
Donald’s family would like to send a special thank you to the Mitchellville Village Nursing Center staff, for taking such wonderful and loving care of both Don and his wife, Bea, who also spent her last years there. They also want to thank his very dear friend Earl Moose, his roommate, and all of his good friends he had in Mitchellville. He was very much loved and will be deeply missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mitchellville Public Library in loving memory of Donald.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Wendy Osborn
02/08/2013
My heartfelt ocndolences go out to the family of Donald Worthington. I will always remember when I frst met him he didnt hesitate to include me as part of the family. I was introduced as his grand daughter Holly's partner to one of the Nurses from the Nursing Home. I will always be grateful and remember how elated I felt to be excepted as part of the family.
RIP Don... you will always hold a very special place in my heart <3
Wendy Oxborn