FORT WORTH -- Donald J. Day, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and aviation career with the FAA, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, following a full and joyful life in the spirit of his Lord, Jesus Christ.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Tuesday in Lonesome Dove Cemetery in Southlake. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Tuesday at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Ave., Fort Worth. Open visitation: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Memorials: Memorial gifts may be made to Cornerstone Ministries or TCU Biology Department.
Don was born July, 27, 1947, in Monahans to Joseph A. and Bobbie R. Day. He was a graduate of Baylor University and Texas Christian University. He served in the Air Force as a command pilot and flying squadron commander. He married Vickie Lunsford in 1980 and was the proud father of Jody and Amy Day. He took great joy in his family, church, friends and co-workers.
He contributed to aviation fields from flight training to operational flight testing and from airspace and procedures development to environmental impact studies. He enjoyed teaching several years as an adjunct professor at TCU. He served in many capacities in his church, teaching Sunday school and Bible study for many years.
Survivors: He was loved and cherished and is survived by his wife of 33 years, Vickie Day; son, Jody Day and his wife, Julie, and their sons, Charlie and David, of Dallas; daughter, Amy Day Radtke and her daughter, Jordan, and Jeff Patton and their son, Jeffrey, of Plano; and his children's mother, Judy Short of Dallas. He is also survived by his mother, Bobbie Day of Fort Worth; and his brother, Dale, his wife, Eleanor, and their daughter, Katie, of Corpus Christi.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 13, 2013
Roger Rapier
Dear Vicki,
My heart aches and grieves with you and your family over the loss of Don! Don was a couple of years older than me, and he became the older brother I needed in my life. He mentored me as we flew KC-135s together at Grissom AFB in the early 1980's and later at Altus AFB in the late 1980's. We were both KC-135 operations officers and squadron commanders in the Strategic Air Command and both of us served as Air Force Reps to the FAA. On top of that, we were both hired into the FAA after retirement from the Air Force. Don encouraged me so much and was indeed the best brother I could ever want. Although we shared so much in common, the most important thing we shared was our faith in Christ. I will never forget our time working together and teaching in our church in Altus, Oklahoma. In our last conversation together, he spent most of the conversation with me recounting our times serving the Lord together and how his faith in Christ was helping him through his fight against his cancer. I thank God for Don and will keep you in my prayers as we look forward to that day we will see Don again.
February 11, 2013
Karen and I are sadden with the loss of Don. We worked both as Active Duty Pilots and Controllers over the years. He taught me so much in aviation and life. Respect him so much and as all will miss him. He and his family has made all of our lives so much happier. Will always miss that smile.
Bob and Karen Brennan
Alamogordo NM
February 10, 2013
Vicki: Don was the kindest, gentlest person I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He thought the world of you. You were his rock.The world lost a truly great man. Very few people have the type of personality that Don had and he always had a positive outlook, even through the pain he suffered. Like so many that have shared a love and respect for Don I feel a deep sorrow and loss at his passing. Don was truly one of the most loved and admired member throughout the FAA family and he will be dearly missed by everyone who was blessed by knowing him. joan seward
February 9, 2013
Mike and Maurene Jewel
Please accept our deepest sympathy, Vickie. We knew you during our time in Michigan and remember all the great times we shared. May God bless and keep Don, and please know that we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
February 8, 2013
Kelli Whitton
I first met Mr. Don Day during the Columbia Shuttle Disaster in Lufkin, Texas in February of 2002. He was a "consumate gentleman" who "got the job done" and was relied upon by many. I am so very sorry for his passing. Don will be missed by many, but his impact on the individual lives of so very many people, including me, will live on. My condolenses to his family and "extended emergency response" family. He will be greatly missed.
February 8, 2013
Jimmie Jo Nicholson
I have truly been blessed to have come to know Donald, for many years I took for granted the fact that we were cousins. It wasn't until some years back, that I took the time to become his friend. Donald taught me so many things. The two that stand out the most are, how to live, and how to go back home. Our hearts are very heavy with sorrow for our loss, but the joy of knowing that Donald is so much better keeps me going. Love and prayers for all of you. Jimmie Jo, Jack, & Kristi
February 7, 2013
What do I say? He was my first born son, a joy and a blessing
Bobbie day
February 6, 2013
Very sorry to hear the news. Don was one of kindest souls I ever met, anywhere. Vicky, my family's prayers are with you.
Barry Shlachter
February 6, 2013
Noemi Lopez
Having the opportunity to meet Don Day was a real pleasure. He was always smiling and very pleasant man. His kind spirit and smile will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
February 5, 2013
Paula Lewis
Having the opportunity to work with Don Day was a real pleasure. He was extremely knowledegable and always gave 100%! His kind spirit will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
February 5, 2013
Lisa Lambert
I couldn't think of a kinder man. He and a few of the military reps attended my ex-husband's military retirement ceremony in 2005. We had no family coming,and Don and Armando D. and the military reps. at the FAA made a great presence. I will miss him. Wonderful person.
February 5, 2013
Cindy Roden
Don was so much more than my boss; he managed to lead without being overbearing and was able to lead while being a very good friend. I respected him for who he was as a person, boss, husband, and father. I loved our talks as he shared his life adventures. He was one in a million and I was lucky to call him a friend. Vickie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy Roden
February 5, 2013
Marshielle Smith
It has been a pleasure to know and work with Don. From the first time I met him he went out of his way to engage and assist me as a distant co-worker. Just know that the sadness you feel now over your loss will eventually be replaced with all of the happy memories you have stored away of your time together.
February 5, 2013
Paul Erway
Vicky,
I am sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a good friend and a man I had great admiration and respect for. It was an honor to know him and he was always splendid company. I will miss him. I hope you find solace in your family, friends, faith and memories.
February 5, 2013
Shelia Beard Gibson-Higgins
Don Day, the consummate gentleman and professional in every sense of the word, a delight to know and a joy to have had the pleasure to work with in the DOT RETCO/RETREP Program. May you rest in eternal peace, Don. We were truly blessed to have you in this life, and now God will be blessed to have you back in His home.
February 4, 2013
Hubie and Susan Mayes
Susan and I are sorry we cannot be with you tomorrow to say "over and out" to Don. He was quite a guy and a joy to be around. Our thoughts are with you all. He will be missed but I'm sure we all have wonderful memories of him. Love - Hubie and Susan Mayes
February 4, 2013
Cynthia Wiginton
I'm so very sorry to hear of Don's passing but I know he's in a better place and healthy again. He was such a kind man and always made time for anyone who needed him. He was very helpful in me getting a promotion during my time at the FAA and I've never forgotten that. He will be deeply missed by so many people! I pray his family can take comfort in knowing he's no longer in pain!!!
February 4, 2013
Dan Noel
We all know where Don is now, a place of rejoicing in the celebration of life. For Don's family and friends, I pray for the Lord's comfort in this time of loss. Of course the time will come when once again we will we'll be together. Don was the best Emergency Ops guy in the entire FAA. We could always count on Don during any national crisis to bring structure, order, and restoration to where there had been destruction and chaos. During America's most challeging times, Don was always there working calmly and professionally, making things right. We truly miss him, but take great delight that he truly is in the most wonderful place, walking with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
February 4, 2013
betty perry
I have known Donald all of his life. There was never a day from the day of his birth until his leaving, that he was not a blessing on the earth to all who lives he touched. Betty Perry
February 4, 2013
Joyce Smothers
I was sorry to hear that Don had passed. I will remember his positive spirit and ever-present smile. He is greatly missed around the SW Regional Office.
February 4, 2013
John Clabes
Vickie, we will miss him. Thank you for taking such good care of my friend.
February 4, 2013
Donna Montagna
in the past love cousin Donna (Day)Montagna
February 4, 2013
Dina & Latif Mekhail
Vickie,
Knowing you and Don well enough to be comforted in the Lord and trust that Don finally reached home at Heavenly Jerusalem! May the Lord wrap His arms around you and the rest of the family members with care, love and comfort.. You are in our prayers…
February 4, 2013
Auntie Bobbi-Ruth and Vickie. We are so saddened to hear that Donald has passed but please know even with time passing between our families you all were not far from our hearts and minds. Sounds like Donald developed into a wonderful man. He is now with his Dad and Uncle Henry and of course big Nana Day. My sincerest condolences and Love to all of you, cousin Laraine Day
February 4, 2013
Vicky:
Lew and I were so saddened to hear of your great loss of Don. We have such great memories of time spent with ya'll back in our military days. Don was always a class act, a caring, loving commander and friend. We hold you in our hearts and send our love.
Kathy & Lew Hatch, Decatur
February 4, 2013
Dean McMath
I've known Don since he was a military rep at the FAA. We worked together on many environmental documents over the years. Don was a great man who was ruled by compassion and a sense of what was right. He was always smiling and had a friendly word for everyone. He will be sorely missed.
February 4, 2013
Barbara Moon
I worked with Don for quite a few years at the FAA SW Regional Office. Don was one of the nicest people I have ever known. I never heard him say an unkind word about anybody. He always had a smile, and he so loved his family. He was never happier than when telling a sweet story about his wife, kids and grandkids. Prayers for his family.
February 4, 2013
Ron Sanders
Vicky,
Like so many that have shared a love and respect for Don I feel a deep sorrow and loss at his passing. His warm smile and calming demeanor was dearly mised when he retired from the FAA a few months back. Don was truly one of the most loved and admired member throughout the FAA family and he will be dearly missed by everyone who was blessed by knowing him.
February 4, 2013
Randall Caviness
So very sorry for your loss. The entire family is in our prayers.
February 4, 2013
Lillian Royse
Donald was a great guy and super cousin.So sorry for his loss. The Good Lord has his arms around him now and watching over his family. Love to all, Lillian and John Royse
February 3, 2013
Bruce Beard
Don was my friend and never failed to brighten my day and life when he was around. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was truly one of the good guys.
Bruce Beard, FAA Retired
February 3, 2013
Richard George
Vicky, you and I have never met, but Don was a welcome sight around the RO in Fort Worth for the few years that I worked there. I did not work for him, but knew him and looked forward to seeing him every day. He had such a positive influence on me and many others who came in contact with him. I will miss him and cherish the times that we visited briefly at the office. He is one of the greatest men I have ever known. A true gentleman and professional who never had a negative word to say about anyone. What a tragic loss for us all. We can but hope to meet him "on the other side".
February 3, 2013
My wife Kathy and I send our prayers and thoughts. I worked with Don on the shuttle recovery and he was a super guy. A loss for all of us.
Steve & Kathy Poppino (Eden, NC)
February 3, 2013
Cherie Kittle
Don was a wonderful person. He was very dedicated to serving his country both in the Air Force and working as a civilian for DOT/FAA. He taught me a lot about emergency operations while working Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I will miss him.
February 3, 2013
To Don's family - what a wonderful human being. May you feel God's arms around you. Joan E Funkhouser, FAA HQ
February 3, 2013
Sorry for your loss! We do know that we will see him again! Take Heart Jesus has left us his PEACE! Pamela Swindle-Urbanowicz Bedford, Texas
February 3, 2013
Cindy Sacks
Vicki - you know he is home and patiently waiting for you. I feel certain he will busy himself with adventures in exploring all of the things you two wanted to do but ran out of time. I know you have a heavy heart and nothing will ever fill the void, but you know he is with you every Minute of every day and the best quality time is when you dream about him. I am so happy that you both have adventerous spirits and took me up on my offer to come up to Alaska and let me plan an amazing vacation for you two!! I know Don had a blast by the out of breath, little kid, excitement in his voice when he told me about the whales, birds, otters, dolphins, and all the wildlife you saw on your day trip adventure. I hope you smile in your heart when you remember the sheer joy and fun you had on that trip and take me up on my standing offer to bring as many of your family members as you want to continue to explore Alaska!! I know your pain Vicki and i know you are worn out right now -from the inside out. You will find your strength again and with the support of your loved ones will smile again. If you ever need anything -please call. Thank you for being in my circle of life path.
February 3, 2013
Kathy Wilson
I am sadden to hear this news, but knowing that Don was a wonderful loving family man and enjoyed life to the fullest I am blessed to have know him for so many years. Vicky with my deepest sympathy and prayers all who know or have known Don will have another Angel watching out over all of us. God Bless you .
February 3, 2013
Jeniffer Donahue
When we lose someone we love, we gain an angel we know....I hope these words can ease your heart if just a tiny bit. Don was a wonderful guy, I was blessed to know him. Sorry for your loss.
February 3, 2013
Vicky, I am so sorry for your loss, Debra and I will have you and your family in our prayers. Don will be missed, he was my mentor and friend and I will always have great memories of working and being a friend of his. May his memories of being a good man and a great husband bring comfort to you during this period. God bless you.
Armando & Debra Dominguez
February 1, 2013
Terry Saldana
Vicki-- am so sorry for your loss. He was such a great friend and co worker. God bless you and soothe your heart.
Terry Saldana-- AK Region
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