Donald Wooden

Donald Howard Wooden passed away on Feb. 18, 2012 at Eastern Idaho Regional medical Center, after a brave and courageous battle. Donn was born Nov. 2, 1940 to Hank and LaVonna Wooden in Rock Springs. He was the second oldest of five boys.

His family moved to Afton when he was seven years old where he attended Afton Elementary, Star Valley Junior High and Star Valley High School. He was active in band, choir, drama, the school musicals, newspaper staff, and year book staff.

Donn graduated from Star Valley High School in 1959. In Oct, 1959 he married the love of his life, Pat Titensor and they had four wonderful children, Bartt, Valerie, RaNell and Patti.

Donn served in the Wyoming National Guard, 103rd Transportation Company and 1022nd Engineer Company A of Afton from 1957 through 1964. He completed his advanced training and schooling at Fort Belvoir, Va., and was called to active duty for the Berlin Crisis in August of 1961, serving in Fort Lewis, Wash.

Upon release from active duty, Donn returned to Afton and was employed as a a parts man and booker for Dan Wood Tractor. In 1963 Donn and Pat bought the Lower Valley Drug in Thayne. Along with managing the drug store, Donn was the Thayne town Marshall and town clerk as well as volunteering with the Thayne Fire Department. He later served as the fire chief.

In 1966 Donn moved his little family to Alpine and took over the seasonal post office contract at Hudson's Alpine Mercantile. He then took over the Palisport KOA camp ground, gas station and boat marina.

In 1970 he bought a lot next to the Three Rivers Motel and built his own business and in the summer of 1971, "The Wooden Corral" was opened with the motto, "A little bit of everything."

Donn was instrumental in the Incorporation of Alpine on June 2, 1989, and became the first mayor, often being referred to as "Mr. Alpine." For Many years he served on the town council. In 1993 Donn obtained his broker's license and opened Wyoming Home and Ranch Real Estate Company. He organized Alpine Fire Brigade, and served as the fire chief.

He was an EMT, a member of the Star Valley Search and Rescue, member of the North Lincoln County Ambulance board, Voting Prescient Clerk, Republican Precinct Committeeman, Finance Director and Sec.-Treasurer for the Alpine Sewer and Water District, and Town Correspondent for the Star Valley Independent. He served on the Wyoming Community Development Board of Directors and the Star Valley Medical center Foundation as the Co-Chairman.

Over the years he and his wife pat enjoyed playing music and spending time with their family. Donn was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved teaching and served as Sunday School Teacher and Counselor, Gospel Principles Teacher, Home Teacher and was currently serving as the High School Priest Group Teacher.

Donn was a man full of gratitude. He loved his family, life and music. He always expressed his love through words, deeds and much affection. We will miss his hugs and words of encouragement, but know he will be close by.

He is survived by his wife Pat of Alpine; son Bartt (Rita) Wooden of Alpine; daughters, Mrs. Bruce (Valerie) Jorgensen of Alpine; Mrs. Jody (RaNell) Shumway of Osmond; and Mrs. Layne (Patti) Cazier of Afton; brothers, Ron Wooden, Melvin Wooden, Ralph Wooden, Brent Wooden, 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.