My memories of Don go back to when I was in high school. He was a dear friend of my mothers and would come for dinner every Friday and Sunday for years. I always looked forward to him coming, because he always had a smile or a grin on his face. He was very good to my family (my sister included) as he was to other people no doubt. He worked on our cars and was always interested in what we had to say, even though we talked alot about the stuff young girls talk about. He even took my sister, Lisa, up in his plane to see Hopewell from the view. She was so excited afterward. He and my mom, Sally, have stayed in touch over these 25+ years until he became so ill it was difficult to know when was a good time to visit. This is a sad time for all of us. His bright light, smile and intellegence will live on in the memory of many. My mom feels a tremendous loss, and I'm so sad she lost her good friend. I'll always remember his laugh and his smile. He also loved animals and took in many strays. He would name them and keep them as long as they would stay around. He had that kind of gentleness to him, and we loved him dearly. As the gentleman said, we will see him in Heaven no doubt. He will probably be working on someone's mechanical something or researching in Heaven's Library for all the answers he never found on earth. We love you Don and will miss you and never forget you. Sally, Toni and Lisa

Don has been a good friend of mine for more than 50 years. I believe we first met at Dupont in the sixth grade when I moved to Hopewell. Over the years, I believe he was one of the original members of our Penny-ante poker club,along with such other distinguished members as Curtis Griffin,Dave Sear,James lee Rideout,Jimmy Vance, and others. I have been to Don's house on several occassions and he to mine. He was instrumental in my son's Eagle Scout project, Don has fixed my riding lawnmower,etc. We went to movies,rode around,etc. In recent years we mostly met at restaurants to eat and talk. I have prayed every night for Don since I learned of his illness. I bought some jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles to work with him but he just didn't seem to feel well enough to do it. I stopped calling him to inquire about him because I could tell ,for some reason, this wasn't helping him. Due to age,feebleness,etc. many of us old geezers have "drifted apart", but I know that I and many others will feel his loss, We already have.I hope to see Don again in Heaven. What with my various medical problems, I think it is unlikely that I will be able to attend the funeral. I extend my sincere sympathies.

Bill Canoles

My thoughts and condolences go out to Otis and the rest of the Dewberry family. I'm thinking right now about the good times at the airport.

Donnie was a good friend, and one of the many who taught me how to fly.

Art Wadsworth
Manchester, MD