Franklin Don

CASA GRANDE - Franklin Don, 93, a longtime Casa Grande businessman and decorated World War II combat aircrewman, died peacefully on May 24, 2016.

Mr. Don was born in Casa Grande on Jan. 29, 1923, a son of June and Oi Shau Don and the eldest grandson of Casa Grande pioneer Sing Don, who settled in town in 1896. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School, where he played quarterback and captained the football team. In 1942 he entered the Army Air Corps and, during his military training, won awards for marksmanship. He subsequently was assigned as a B-17 ball turret gunner in WWII.

He was a sergeant, was stationed in England and flew 28 missions over occupied Europe. From the air, he took part in the Normandy Invasion on D-Day and other battles for the liberation of France, which honored him with a "Certificate of Thanks." He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze stars and the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters.

After completing his tour of duty, he returned to his beloved Casa Grande, where he managed the family grocery store, Don Market, until retiring in 1986 and focused his life on his family and friends. He loved fishing, hunting and the outdoors. For many years, he was active in Rotary, Casa Grande Valley Historical Society, First Presbyterian Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He was a caring member of the community and touched many lives throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ethel; two sons, Perry and Kenton; a brother, James Don; two sisters, Fay Don and Fanny Chew; and two grandsons. He was preceded in death by a son, Franklin Don Jr.; three sisters, Lillian Jow, Nancy Lew and Shirley Ann Don; and two brothers, Cleveland and John Don.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel, with the funeral following at 10.

Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande or The Museum of Casa Grande.