Obituary for Donald Gene Armstrong
Donald (Don) Gene Armstrong, age 92 formally of La Junta, passed away January 7, 2022. Don was born August 11, 1929, in Chanute, Kansas to Joseph and Elda (Spring) Armstrong.
Don and his parents moved to La Junta, Colorado when he was seven years old. At the age of fifteen, he began a career with the AT&SF Railway by working part-time in the yard office. He continued in this position until he graduated from La Junta High School in 1947, then began working full-time with the railroad. In August 1950 he married Bernice Waxham. Shortly after their marriage, he was drafted to serve in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After his discharge he and Bernice returned to La Junta and Don resumed his employment with the Santa Fe railway, eventually becoming a conductor and baggage man for Amtrak. After retiring, he and Bernice relocated to Clovis, New Mexico.
Don was a member of the Elks Lodge. He was active with the Koshare Indian Kiva, serving as a keyman. He was always quick with a joke, and never met a stranger. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, and building and flying his model airplanes at the La Junta air park. For many years he volunteered to escort honorees in the annual Early Settlers Day parade in his white convertible. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember hearing him speak to them in his “Donald Duck” voice, just to make them giggle.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Boyd and his wife of 64 years Bernice.
Don is survived by a sister, Janet (Junior) Sorenson of Pagosa Springs, CO; son, Ron (Jean) Armstrong, of Pueblo West CO; son, Doug (Audrey) Armstrong of Fowler, CO; daughter Donna (Fox) Guinn, of Clovis, NM; daughter De (Jay) Bond of Oro Valley, AZ. Grandchildren, Chris (Jeri) Armstrong; Amber (Justin) McKinney; Sunni (Nate) O’Maley; Amanda Armstrong; Reanne (Cody) Rudd; Katy (Chris) Reeves; James (Fran) Bond, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnson-Romero Family Funeral Home. A graveside side memorial service and interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in La Junta, Friday, February 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Online Condolences and Shared Memories can be made at johnsonromero.com
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Don and his parents moved to La Junta, Colorado when he was seven years old. At the age of fifteen, he began a career with the AT&SF Railway by working part-time in the yard office. He continued in this position until he graduated from La Junta High School in 1947, then began working full-time with the railroad. In August 1950 he married Bernice Waxham. Shortly after their marriage, he was drafted to serve in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After his discharge he and Bernice returned to La Junta and Don resumed his employment with the Santa Fe railway, eventually becoming a conductor and baggage man for Amtrak. After retiring, he and Bernice relocated to Clovis, New Mexico.
Don was a member of the Elks Lodge. He was active with the Koshare Indian Kiva, serving as a keyman. He was always quick with a joke, and never met a stranger. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, and building and flying his model airplanes at the La Junta air park. For many years he volunteered to escort honorees in the annual Early Settlers Day parade in his white convertible. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember hearing him speak to them in his “Donald Duck” voice, just to make them giggle.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Boyd and his wife of 64 years Bernice.
Don is survived by a sister, Janet (Junior) Sorenson of Pagosa Springs, CO; son, Ron (Jean) Armstrong, of Pueblo West CO; son, Doug (Audrey) Armstrong of Fowler, CO; daughter Donna (Fox) Guinn, of Clovis, NM; daughter De (Jay) Bond of Oro Valley, AZ. Grandchildren, Chris (Jeri) Armstrong; Amber (Justin) McKinney; Sunni (Nate) O’Maley; Amanda Armstrong; Reanne (Cody) Rudd; Katy (Chris) Reeves; James (Fran) Bond, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnson-Romero Family Funeral Home. A graveside side memorial service and interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in La Junta, Friday, February 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Online Condolences and Shared Memories can be made at johnsonromero.com
To plant a tree in memory of Donald Gene Armstrong, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Graveside
Friday
18
Feb
2:00 PM
Fairview Cemetery
402 Potter Drive
La Junta, CO 81050
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