Donald Lee Stauffer

February 15, 1944 - August 29, 2024

Donald Stauffer, 80, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, at home with his family by his side.

Don was born in Canton Ohio on February 15, 1944. He later moved to Casa Grande, AZ where he met Jean Watkins at the Paramount Theater and married on March 28, 1962.

Don served in the National Guard 1st Battalion 180th Field Artillery, awarded sharpshooter badge, receiving Honorable Discharge. Don and Jean had three children Debra, Richard and Lester. Don achieved Life Member of the International Operating Engineers Union Local 428, his work was his passion, as Superintendent of road construction with National Applicators some notable projects were the removal of Jefferson Street for Bank One ballpark, Metro Center, and the city streets of Arizona City and Casa Grande West. While with Lynn Pate they worked on most of the major lakes in AZ and several Forest Service projects.

Don was an avid outdoorsman, he loved bird hunting and four wheeling with his dog Ranger, who are buried together.  He loved gardening, geocaching, and was an excellent mechanic. While retired Don worked for the forest service as a camp host with Dianna Monnin who he spent the last 17 years of his life with.

Don is survived by his daughter Debra and son Lester (Jim), and stepdaughter Jennifer Gagnon and her two kids.

Don was preceded in death by his son Richard, his parents Lucille and Bob, his sister Bonnie, and his brother Bob.

Special thanks to Dr. Arce-Lara and the staff and Hospice Compassus.  

A short 20-minute Ceremony will be held on October 1, 2024, at AZ Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana at 9:00 am.

Later a celebration of life will be held at Francisco Grande, Eagles Nest on October 19, 2024, 10:00am.