Home > United States of America > Iowa > Ringgold County > Tingley > Tingley Cemetery > Donald Gene “Don” Bear

Donald Gene “Don” Bear

Birth	:	13 Oct 1932 Ringgold County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	16 May 2015 Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Tingley Cemetery, Tingley, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate	:	40.8650017, -94.1930008
Description	:	Donald Gene Bear, son of Glenn and Eula (Brockway) Bear, was born at home in Monroe Township, Ringgold County, Iowa on October 13, 1932. Don graduated from high school in Archie, Missouri in 1950. Shortly after, he returned to Ringgold County and helped his dad farm. Don began a long and rewarding career with the United States Air Force. He served his country for 26 years. Some of the bases that Don was stationed in include Richard-Gabeur AFB, Missouri; Tachikawa Air Base, Japan; Pope AFB, North Carolina; Danang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam; Pope AFB, North Carolina; Eglin... Read More	Donald Gene Bear, son of Glenn and Eula (Brockway) Bear, was born at home in Monroe Township, Ringgold County, Iowa on October 13, 1932. Don graduated from high school in Archie, Missouri in 1950. Shortly after, he returned to Ringgold County and helped his dad farm. Don began a long and rewarding career with the United States Air Force. He served his country for 26 years. Some of the bases that Don was stationed in include Richard-Gabeur AFB, Missouri; Tachikawa Air Base, Japan; Pope AFB, North Carolina; Danang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam; Pope AFB, North Carolina; Eglin AF Annex Florida, Field #9; England AFB, Louisiana; Hill AFB, Utah; Kelly AFB, Texas; Clark Air Base, Philippines; Richard-Gabeur AFB, Missouri; Tanson Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam; NKP Air Base, Thailand; and retiring from Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. Don worked on, or flew as a crew member, the following aircrafts; VB-17 Flying Fortress, C-47 Skytrain, C-123 Provider, C-118 Liftmaster, C-54 Skymaster, T-29 Seastar Flying Classroom, C-130 Hercules, C-131 Samaritan, C-124 Globemaster II, and the C-141 Starlifter. On August 10, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Darlene M. Giles in Lamoni, Iowa. They were blessed with three children; Jacqueline Sue, Daniel Dean, and Jodi Lynn. The U.S. Air Force transferred Don and his family on an almost annual basis. Darlene knew that when Don came home and gave her that look, they were soon to move. Don and the family returned most summers to spend their vacation around their Iowa families and Don enjoyed the reunions. He loved to fish and play cribbage, pitch, and pinochle. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1978, the family returned to Ringgold County. Under the G.I. Bill, Don went to Southwest Iowa Community College and studied small engine repairs. Don worked 20+ years as a dispatcher and jailor at the Ringgold County Law Enforcement Center in Mount Ayr. Don was respected among the law enforcement and those that were serving their time. Don loved to read. He loved to read Western novels and he read every Louis L'Amour book written. After retiring from the law enforcement center, he enjoyed spending time at the Dead-beat Club. Don became a resident of the Mount Ayr Health Care Center and he passed away there on May 16, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Floyd & Nova Giles; granddaughter Kimberly Bear; sister-in-law Bryce Bear; three sisters Shirley Chase, Karen Baker, and Betty Long. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Darlene Bear of Mount Ayr; children Jacque (Art) Davis of Weeping Water, Nebraska, Dan (So Un) Bear of Lancaster, California, and Jodi Angus of Mount Ayr, Iowa; grandchildren Andrew (Tonya) Davis, Matthew (Jessica) Davis, Benjamin (Angela Gee) Davis, Amber (Rob) (Bear) Mitchell, Katie Bear, Kristy Bear, Kassidy Bear, Lucas (Amanda) Angus, Jennifer (Amie) Angus, and Austin Angus; great grandchildren Logan Mitchell, Lewis Angus, and Brooklyn Angus; brother Ted Bear of Ellston, Iowa; two sisters Beverly Peterman of Nevada, Missouri and Jean Schriever of Minnesota; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Donald Gene “Don” Bear's memorial?
Donald Gene “Don” Bear's memorial is located at: Tingley Cemetery, Tingley, Ringgold County, USA.
When did Donald Gene “Don” Bear death?
Donald Gene “Don” Bear death on 16 May 2015 in Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Donald Gene “Don” Bear's memorial?
Latitude: 40.8650017
Longitude: -94.1930008

Family Members:

Spouse

Darlene Mae Giles Bear

(1938 - 2021)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Tingley Cemetery
Tingley, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8650017, -94.1930008

2. Eugene Cemetery
Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8683600, -94.2445200

3. Bever Cemetery
Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8766708, -94.2469406

4. Oakland Cemetery
Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8927240, -94.2633070

5. Ellston Cemetery
Union Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8388970, -94.1196670

6. Quinn Cemetery
Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8583000, -94.2825000

7. Cornwall Cemetery
Thayer, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9047165, -94.1102295

8. Johnston Cemetery
Kellerton, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7937000, -94.1474000

9. Pumptown Cemetery
Union Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8670000, -94.0667000

10. Union Cemetery
Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8772440, -94.3247540

11. Centenary Cemetery
Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8269590, -94.3247960

12. Oliver Cemetery
Monroe Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7830320, -94.1004020

13. Oak Hill Cemetery
Thayer, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9183100, -94.0530100

14. Abel Cemetery
Arispe, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9790001, -94.1429977

15. Bear Cemetery
Monroe Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7750015, -94.0830002

16. Homewood Cemetery
Thayer, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9220009, -94.0419998

17. Bohemian Cemetery
Washington Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7758000, -94.3139000

18. Keller Cemetery
Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.8212100, -94.3533100

19. Harmony Cemetery
Shannon City, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9370003, -94.3359985

20. Diagonal Cemetery
Washington Township, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7936680, -94.3368050

21. Leas Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9080009, -94.0220032

22. Oak Ridge Cemetery
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7319984, -94.2399979

23. Woodland Cemetery
Kellerton, Ringgold County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7420006, -94.1080017

24. Rollins Plot Cemetery
Afton, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0040283, -94.2234802