Donald E. Carroll, Sr.
1923 – 2012
Rock Port, Missouri

Don E. Carroll, Sr., the son of Louis and Mary (Heckel) Carroll, was born January 20, 1923, in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended high school in Hamburg, Iowa, graduating in 1941.

On August 14, 1941, Don entered the United States Navy and served his country as a Naval Aviator on the U.S.S. Boston and U.S.S. New Jersey.

On July 4, 1943, Don was united in marriage to Helen Lucille Sliger at the First Christian Church in Rock Port. They became the parents of two sons, Donald, Jr. and Richard.

Don and Helen made their home in Los Angeles, California and were both employed by American Airlines for more than 20 years. They were blessed to have traveled the world, spending time in numerous countries such as; England, France, Germany, Bavaria, Switzerland, Greece, Italy, Spain, China, Hong Kong and many others. Don and Helen later lived in Arizona, where at the age of 65, enjoyed riding motorcycles in the desert. They owned a travel trailer and pulled it throughout the United States and enjoyed fishing in the Northwestern parts of the country. It was an adjustment getting used to staying home following their move back to Rock Port. They kept busy by taking cruises around town, playing bingo every week and never missing their granddaughters sporting events. Helen passed away August 2, 2007. Don kept busy by being a super Great-Grandpa, he even passed on the game of crazy eights to his great-granddaughter Alyssa. Don was thankful to have close friends like Colin Pritt to keep him company and reminisce over old war stories, and his little rascal poodle named “Cappy” (Captain) by his side. Don passed away August 19, 2012, at Heartland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, Missouri, at the age of 89. Don was a great hero, family man, and role model. We will all miss our courageous World War II Corsair pilot!

Don was a member of the First Christian Church, North Star Masonic Lodge #157 A.F. & A.M., and Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, all of Rock Port.

Besides his parents and wife, Helen, Don was preceded in death by son, Donald Carroll, Jr. Survivors include son, Richard Carroll, Rock Port; two granddaughters, Teresa Carroll and partner Christopher Grawe, Kansas City, Missouri and Donna Pritt and husband, Derrick, St. Joseph, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Alyssa Dawn and Aiden Pritt, St. Joseph; daughter-in-law, Alicia Carroll, St. Joseph; sister, Janie Lorimer, Tulsa, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside Service and Interment:
10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 23, 2012, Greenhill Cemetery, Rock Port.
Open visitation will begin 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 22, 2012, Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, where the family will receive friends that evening from 6:00-7:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Christian Church, Rock Port.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.