Donald Moreland…September 15, 1927 – August 19, 2015

Graveside memorial services for Las Animas, Colorado resident, Donald L. Moreland, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2015 at Fort Lyon National Cemetery with Pastor Rod Coulter officiating. A celebration of his life will be held at the V.F.W. Post #2411 following the graveside service. Family, friends and neighbors are all asked to attend and share a short story with us that will be passed along to future generations.

Donald Lee Moreland, a giant among men, was born on September 15, 1927 in Albany, Missouri to Rollo Otto and Bessie Lee (Bounds) Moreland. Don was re-united on August 19, 2015 with the love of his life, Margaret.

Don spent his life loving his wife, daughter, granddaughter, grandson-in-law, and 3 great grandchildren as well as many more who called him “Papa”. Don was fondly known as the “dynamite man” and one of “the 2 Dons”, endearing himself to the hearts, minds, and lives of the many people he touched throughout the Valley and beyond. Don was a firefighter for the VA for over 35 years but also spent time as an electrician, mechanic, plumber, welder, carpenter, cabinet maker, rabbit hutch builder, stucco and concrete worker. Most of all, he was a loving lap for his grandbabies! Most recently, he has spent his days as a babysitter for his great grandchildren who would spend their days eating “Papa’s pancakes”, summer sausage, and M&M’s. Don was a life member of the: VFW Post #2411, DAV post #6 and IOOF # 64.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Bessie; father, Rollie; his loving wife, Margaret; sisters, Della Sloan and Betty Morlan; half-brother, Claude Bounds; one niece; several nephews; and many “best” friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Mardona; granddaughter, Melissa and husband, Cody Allen; great granddaughter, Morgan Dowell, great grandsons, Kevin Dowell and Clayton Allen. He also leaves behind friends and neighbors that will all miss his smile and sense of humor and ability to just “drop everything and go help anyone out with their problems”.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Cockleburr Combers Youth Rodeo Club or to the Las Animas Trofins Swim Team in care of Horber Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 431, Las Animas, Colorado 81054. He enjoyed watching all 3 great grandchildren do events in both these youth organizations. If he touched as many hearts as he touched wells, then his lasting impression will be forever made.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit www.horberfuneralchapel.com.