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Donald Lee Honaker, 84, passed away at home surrounded by family, in Liberty, Utah on May 19, 2024. He was born the second of three sons on Jan. 6, 1940, in Verdigris, Oklahoma to Elzie Honaker and Vinnie Tyler. Don leaves behind a legacy of love, mischief, and quiet modesty.
As a young boy Don migrated with his family from Oklahoma to California to do seasonal agricultural work before returning to Oklahoma to begin primary school in Catoosa. At age nine he began caddying at the local golf club which led to a lifelong love of the sport. He is a class of 1957 Catoosa High alumni.
Don was the first in his family to complete a college education, he graduated from Northeastern State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962. He credits athletics for helping him complete his schooling. Don played college level football, basketball, and golf. He later earned a Master’s in Teaching Science from University of Arizona.
He attended Army Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and served in the Army National Guard. He moved to Hayden, Arizona to accept a job teaching middle school science and retired from Ray High School in 1992 after 30 years with the district. He enjoyed coaching basketball but thrived when asked to establish the Ray High Golf Team in 1969. Under his mentorship many students’ golf talents flourished which led the team to a state championship in 1977.
Don married Carol Ann Crum of Hayden in June of 1964. They became the parents of three daughters, Heidi, Staci, and Darci. Although the marriage dissolved after 11 years, the two remained amicable. Don made every effort to spend time with his girls, and many adventures were shared. Favorite memories include camping, fishing, playing frisbee and hitting lots of golf balls at the driving range.
Summers and post-retirement for Don were spent on the road in his van excelling in golf tournaments, bagging trophies and good times. In his later years, time spent with his family became his joy and drive, as he traveled to share tall tales and playful teasing with his grandkids. He could often be found sitting in the shade, red pen and crossword puzzle in hand.
Characterized by his humility, dry humor, and athletic drive, Don never gave up. As he aged, he faced physical hardships that required him to relearn how to walk, not once but five times. He was always ready with a witty remark or well-timed eye roll, which endeared him to all who worked with him.
Don was smart enough to tease you but kind enough to wait for you to get the joke. He could play any prank with a straight face but was often betrayed by the mischievous smile behind his eyes. Upon seeing his own obituary in the newspaper, we feel certain he would give a dramatic sigh and say, “I guess anything qualifies as news these days”.
He is survived, cherished, and dearly missed by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Heidi (Scott) Hansen, Staci (Keith) Pyers, and Darci (Thomas [TJ] ) Kneale; 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. There will be no formal services. Our family would appreciate shared memories on his Facebook page.
“As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” – Ben Hogan
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.
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