Obituary for Donald Clayton Gilmore
Donald Clayton Gilmore
January 10, 1945 – March 4, 2025
Donald Clayton Gilmore was born on January 10, 1945, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and passed away on March 4, 2025. He is survived by his brothers Lloyd Gilmore of Arroyo Grande, Ca and Brian Gilmore of Phoenix, Arizona; his sister, Catherine Gilmore of Houston, Texas; stepdaughters Angela Page of Dillon, Colorado, and Laura Johnson of Montezuma, Colorado; and his step-grandson, Kyle Wilkinson of Arlington, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Mae; stepdaughter Deborah Dianne Wolfe; birth parents Warren Gilmore and Bernice Gilmore; adoptive parents Erwin Gilmore and Agnes Marie Gilmore; and siblings Joe Gilmore, Leroy Gilmore, Ray Gilmore, Lyle Gilmore, Mike Gilmore, and Lillian Mathis.
At the age of six, Donald and his sister Catherine were adopted by their uncle Erwin. The family moved to Kennewick, Washington, and later to Denver, Colorado, where he completed high school. He spent the majority of his life in Colorado, apart from the eight years he served in the United States Navy.
Donald served as a Petty Officer First Class, specializing as an Electronics Technician (Radio Communications). From 1970 to 1971, he was stationed in the Pacific Theater, spending time in Vietnam, particularly in Nha Be, where he worked in test equipment repair and calibration. Following his military service, he contributed to national defense by working on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line in Greenland, a crucial Cold War initiative designed to detect potential nuclear threats.
It was during a leave from this work that he met and eventually married the love of his life, Donna. Together, Don and Donna built a life full of adventure in Colorado, residing at different times in Englewood, Keystone, and finally, Elizabeth. Don pursued his passion for aviation, earning his pilot’s license through the GI Bill. He flew small single-engine planes both as a hobby and as part of his work as a field technician, specializing in sonograph equipment used in hospitals. He was also an avid motorcyclist, commuting to work on his bike even in Denver’s harsh winter conditions.
Despite his love for sailing, family stories suggest he had a unique talent for ending up in the water—reportedly capsizing or sinking small boats on at least three occasions. One particularly memorable outing involved his longtime friend Nelson Brugh. After launching Don’s brand-new boat into Chatfield Reservoir, Don handed Nelson a plug at the last minute, instructing him to insert it into the drain hole. Unfortunately, Nelson plugged the wrong hole. As they motored away from the dock, the boat began to sink—quickly. They managed to make it back to shore, drained the water, and relaunched. But the adventure wasn’t over. Not long after, Don was
pulled over by the shore patrol for going the wrong direction in what turned out to be a one-way reservoir. Just as he was about to be issued a ticket, the patrol received an emergency call and sped off—leaving Don to complete his journey without further incident.
Don had a deep love for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and shooting sports were among his greatest passions, and he had a particular fondness for Jeeps and Rugers. He and Donna spent many happy years in their dream home, enjoying the activities they loved most.
Don played the guitar, while Donna expressed her creativity through painting. Their lives were so deeply intertwined that it is difficult to speak of one without the other. Don was a strong and hardworking man—a "man's man" in every sense. Yet, whenever asked about making plans, he was known to say, "Hmm… Let me check with the boss." That was Donna—a loving and devoted "boss" who cared for him deeply.
Don’s family would like to express their gratitude to all of his friends who have cared for him these last months including Nelson and Kim Brugh and family, Randy and Sally Cook, Kevin Conrad and Beth Lambdin, Ray Busick and Janet Jones.
Military services will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado
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Previous Events
Graveside
Friday
27
Jun
2:00 PM
Fort Logan National Cemetery
4400 W. Kenyon Ave.
Denver, CO 80236
Following the Service a gathering to celebrate the life of Don Will be held at 34599 Morgan Trail Elizabeth, Colorado, (Across the street from Don) Hosted by the family and Nelson & Kim Brugh
Cemetery Details
Location
Fort Logan National Cemetery
4400 W. Kenyon Ave.
Denver, CO 80236
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