Donald Thomas Stinger

Donald Thomas Stinger, returned to his Heavenly Father on March 30 2023

Don was born on February 15, 1932, to Walter Leland Stinger and Naomi Harris Stinger in a little town outside of McCammon called Robin Idaho. Graduating from Pocatello High School in 1950. He met Shirley East, and they wed on December 16, 1955, in the Salt Lake temple for time and eternity. They then went on to have 5 children, 2 boys and 3 girls: Stacey, Rodney, Karolyn, Peggey and Bonnie.

Don was an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Where he began his interest in mentoring the young men of the Boy scouts and guide patrol. He took the boys hiking and camping and loved to take them caving. He held many callings in the church, including Elders quorum president, young men’s president, Sunday school teacher and ward clerk.

He could often be found digging up antique bottles, helping someone fix their rig, shoveling the neighbor’s walk or bringing home groceries for an elderly neighbor. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and sportsman. Spending time with his boys and with his brothers and his father.

Don was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and gave them a wonderful life of love, church activity and togetherness.

Don received many awards for his years as a scout leader and for his involvement with the volunteer fire department in Chubbuck. He worked on the railroad near Yellowstone, was a butcher for several years at Kennedy's food town in Chubbuck, also butchered all kinds of wild meat out of his home which gave his children pocket money. Several nights during the season one or more of his children would help bone or wrap, package and box while he cut. Paying them for their efforts. His children often said the best part was having their dad to themselves to talk, wrap and sing to the radio with him. He kept involved with his children’s education when he and Shirley becoming president of the PTA.

Later with a growing family and the extra cost of living he moved on to Simplot to work as a maintenance welder. Although this was more lucrative, he still butchered from home in the evenings. He also became a Volkswagen mechanic buying broken Volkswagens and repairing them. Don could fix almost anything and saved a lot of household money by fixing the washer dryer, Shirley's sewing machine, cars bikes, even a bit of plumbing and electrical. If it was broken, he could generally fix it.

After Don retired from Simplot, they became snowbirds for 25 years while they enjoyed warm winters in Quartz Site AZ. From there they took trips to California and Mexico coming home in the summer where they were enjoyed by their children and grandchildren.

He will be sorely missed, he is survived by his wife Shirley East Stinger, Sons, Stacey Stinger, Rodney Stinger, Daughters, Karolyn (Lynn) Taylor, Peggey (David) Holt, Bonnie (David) Gardiner, sisters, Audrey (Paul) Myler, Ann (Michael) Stayner, brother Jason (Nancy) Stinger 12 grandchildren,14 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was Preceded in death by his parents and Brother Arnold Stinger, brother and sister in Law Lloyd Dell and Phyllis Stinger, and great grandson Andrew James Lepinski Jr.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. Chubbuck, ID 83202.

Funeral services will be on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4775 Hawthorne Rd, Chubbuck, ID, with a viewing for one hour prior to the services.

Burial will follow at the Arimo Cemetery.

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