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Donald Earl Wandell, 95, died Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in a residential care facility in Salem, Oregon.
Don was born and raised in Clovis, California, the son of Joy Eon and Florence Alfreda (Stevens) Wandell. Don had one brother, Edward, and three sisters, Helen Kelly, Betty Watts, and Marian Adams.
Don served in the US Navy during World War II. He later wrote his memoirs about his experience stationed on the USS Renshaw, a destroyer engaged in battles in the South Pacific corridor.
After the war, Don met and married Margaret Louise Jones. They had two sons, Charles (Skip) and Robert (Bob). That marriage ended in divorce. Several years later Don married Benita Claire Floyd and they had a daughter, Mary. Don and Benita settled in Hayward, California to raise Bob, Skip and Mary.
Don was a hard worker. He learned the building trades from working with his dad and made his living in construction. He worked on the power plant for the Oroville Dam and was a foreman on construction of the library at Chabot College in Hayward. In the 1970s, Don had his own business building custom homes in Nevada County, California. After retirement, Don and Benita moved to Myrtle Point, Oregon where he kept active with small carpentry projects, gardening, hunting, fishing, and reading westerns. Don and Benita moved to Salem, Oregon in 2016.
Don’s life was marked with adventure. He rode horses and bulls in rodeos, mined for gold in Canada, broke horses and lead pack trips outside of Yosemite National Park.
Everyone who knows Don knows he loved dogs and horses… and they loved him. His favorites from youth were his dog Shep who rode on the running boards of the family car, and his horse Danny who refused to go into a horse trailer unless you rode him in. Later in life, he doted on his black mare Lady and Jill, a feisty Sheltie.
Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Benita Claire (Floyd) Wandell, his sons, Charles Edwin Wandell and Robert Eugene Wandell, his daughter Mary Diane Wandell, and his sister Betty (Wandell) Watts, 10 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Don loved his family and had friendships that lasted throughout his life.
Offering sincere condolences, no doubt this is a difficult time for the family. May you put trust in the many promises our Heavenly Father says will soon come about and allow that wonderful hope to comfort you in the days ahead. (Isaiah 26:19; Ps. 37:29)
I didn't get the pleasure of being around Grandpa. But I remember visiting him when I was five, and sitting on his lap, his garden, and the dogs. We kept in contact through many letters. We always expressed love and memories between each other. I found out that he has kept them all this time. I may not have been there physically, but I love you grandpa unconditionally.
Love always,
Shayla
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Don, but I know his daughter, Mary. She is such a lovely person that I know she grew up loved and guided by wonderful parents. May Don rest in peace, and may Mary and her family find comfort in their many memories, and in each other.
We both enjoyed Don so very much in our short stay at Lancaster Village. He and my husband were good friends even though one couldn't hear well and the other could not communicate vocally. I'll miss his beautiful blue eyes. Hugs to Mary and Benita. Anne and Jim Crum
Rest in Peace Mr Wandell!
To Mrs Wandell, Mary, Bob, Skip, Hugs n prayers coming your way!! Love Mo
I have such fond memories of my Uncle Don. His story telling, his garden, the little house in Myrtle Point, his love of fishing and he gave the best hugs! I just loved him so much! He was a good good man. A true cowboy. He will forever live in my heart.
We just found out that Don passed away today and will not be able to attend his celebration due to late notice. Phil and I are so sorry to hear that Don has passed and know he is in God's hands now. We wish to extend our love to the family and prayers for comfort.
Mr. Wandell (always Mr. Wandell), I remember the day your family moved to Teasdale Pl. in Hayward. I came knocking at your door asking if you have any little girls that lived there. Lucky for me you did. Who would think 50+ years later Mary and I would still be close friends.
I reminiscence on how the neighborhood kids would pile into your station wagon and you would take us to see the horses, with Prince running with us. Our 4th of Julys in the court with fire works. When you moved to Grass Valley, our family would come visit and catch frogs and I am pretty sure we had frog legs for dinner.
your friendship with my step-father Jack is about as close as my friendship with Mary, if not closer. He always talks about the adventures you had together.
I am fortunate to have been able to spend some time with you and Mrs. Wandell a couple years ago when visiting Mary and talk to you on the phone a couple weeks ago and you calling me Kathi Vix...
You will always be the man I remember in cowboy shirt, levi's, and the cowboy buckle with that infectious smile.
You will always be in my heart.
Grandpa, I wish I knew you growing up so that I couldn't known you as an adult. My kids are constantly asking me questions about my side of the family, yet I find myself following in my father's footsteps because we didn't grow up knowing much of Dad's side of the family. I love you grandpa, I was so hoping I could meet you once again and introduce my wife & 7 of my children to you. Four of which are your direct line.
Your loving Grandson,
Serving men of the greatest generation is truly a high honor. Don leaves behind a great legacy. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with his services.