Donald G. Henniger

Donald Geddes Henniger was born February 23, 1936 in Newcomerstown, Ohio. He took his last breath and entered his heavenly home October 7, 2018. Don was born the second of 3 boys, to Bernard Otto Henniger and Mildred Geddes. His mother passed away at the tender age of 49. Many years later his father remarried his second wife, Ceola. She was lovingly known as Grandma to Don's children. As a child Don and his family moved frequently, due to his father's position as an engineer for the power company, he was responsible for building new power plants. Don's formative years were spent in Indiana, West Virginia, and Ohio. His father's hometown was Lowell, Ohio. The family moved to Lowell when Don was a teenager, even today, Don would refer to Lowell as "home." Still calling Ohio home today, is his brother; Thomas and his wife Jolene. Don's older brother Robert and his wife Kay, live in Tennessee. Don met the love of his life, Martha Louise Walters in high school. They were a real life version of "Pump Boys and Dinettes." Don pumped gas at "The Clean Spot" and Marty waited tables inside at the diner. Don was a man of few words, and Marty had plenty, they were a perfect pair. In January the two will have been married 63 years. Marty and Don are the epitome of a "lifetime of love." Right out of high school Don joined the Navy. He got leave just as soon as he could, to get back to Lowell to marry his girl. If you know Don, chances are you have heard his story of the planes, trains automobiles he took to get himself back to Lowell in time for his wedding! One of the benefits of marrying Marty was becoming part of her big family which included her parents and six siblings! Preceding Don in death is Marty's mother and father, Eugene and Anna Walters. Her brother Tom and his wife Arlene Walters and her sister Jane Davis. He is survived by her sister Helen and Helen's husband, Richard McKenna of Marietta, Ohio. Her brother Robert Walters, and his wife Miriam of Marietta, Ohio. Her sister Jeanne Webber of Fresno, California and her brother Jim Walters, and his wife Brenda of Reedley, California. Between his family and Marty's there were 26 Nieces and Nephews and too many greats and great greats to count! Don loved his family deeply and considered himself a blessed man to have so many to call his own. Don and Marty started married life by moving across the country to California. Thus began their adventures that took them to many different places. Don would go on to serve his country 20 years as a senior chief petty officer in the Navy. He served as an electrician on aircraft and then as an instructor to future electricians. His stories about his time in the service were everyone's favorites. When Don retired from the Navy he began a ten year career with Sikorsky United Technologies as a helicopter engineer instructor. Never one to be content just sitting, he finished his professional career with a 15 year stint in the real estate appraisal business. When he was about 75 years old, he decided to rest for a bit and fully retired. Both Don and Marty would tell you that though their life was full of fun, family, and adventure their greatest accomplishment was their children. David Kriss, Melissa Lynn and her husband James and Kristin Ann. While the official count is three children, they count as their own, Raul and Marisa Alvarado as well as Rene and Joann Garcia. When life didn't give them grandchildren, they simply "adopted others." He was known to these as "Papa Don," Miranda and Clarisa Alvarado, Sebastian and Christian Garcia. One of the joys of his life was filling in as Papa for these four at their school and sporting events, holidays and family gatherings. Don will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his treasured family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 11AM at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave. Visalia, CA 93277. Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Donald G. Henniger

February 23, 1936 - October 7, 2018