Donald Gilbert Currell…November 3, 1928 – December 12, 2014

Donald G. Currell passed away Friday night December 12, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. Donald was born November 3, 1928 to Irvin and Mabel Currell, and spent his early childhood in Tulsa and Drumright City, Oklahoma. The family, which also included older brother Douglas, moved to Lamar, Colorado where they completed secondary education.

Donald was drafted by the US Army and ‘enlisted’ on November 3, 1950, he served until September 20, 1952 as a supply Sergeant First Class in the Korean War. He returned and completed his BS in Architectural Design at Denver University. After college he moved back to Lamar, CO.

Donald initially worked with his father in the Currell Lumber Yard and eventually bought the business. He opened an Architectural firm for the design and building of custom homes, mostly in the Willow Valley subdivision. He later joined a partnership in the lumber business with Dudley Curry and they continued developments in southeast Colorado. Donald purchased the Mayhew Dairy farm to develop what is now known as the Willow Creek Subdivision. Donald also built some of the first apartments in Lamar, eventually building in three areas with over 40 units.

Donald was also instrumental in the procurement, development, and building of the ELKS lodge in Lamar, CO. He had a passion for golf, designed the club architecture and built the property. He also helped recruit a University of Kansas golf professional for the course design.

Donald was married to Norma “Stormi” for 19 years and is survived by his three children, Chris Younger Currell, Cydney Donn Currell, and Kevin Neff Currell, and two grandchildren, Kia Currell and Kasey Currell. He was preceded in death by his brother Douglas Leo who passed away just fourteen months earlier on October 20, 2013.

Donald was a very private man, with deep interests and a great intellect; a dear friend to many of us who were fortunate to have our paths interwoven with his. He loved golfing, tennis, boating, and mostly spending time on Lake Powell with family and friends. He will be missed…