Donald (Don) Alfred Bills of Visalia, CA, passed away at the age of 86 on January 7, 2023.

A dedicated husband, father, and veteran, Don’s greatest gift was his service to others. A selfless man, he began working at a young age and continued into his 80s to provide a comfortable life for his family, always placing the needs of his loved ones before his own. Throughout his life and career, he set a fantastic example to all who knew and loved him with his tenacious work ethic and passion for learning and sharing knowledge.

Don was a man of few words with a quick wit and a big heart. Second to his family, he loved woodworking and teaching others how to use tools, watching NASCAR races and old cowboy and military movies, completing crossword puzzles, and eating Jimboy’s tacos and chocolate ice cream.

Don was born to Bernard and Dorothy Bills on November 10, 1936, in Parlier, CA. He graduated in 1955 from Jordan High School in Los Angeles, CA, and joined the United States Army immediately after that, where he served more than seven years in the U.S., Germany, and the Korean War.

After his Army service, Don worked for the Southern California Gas Company for 37 years. During that time, he was a service technician, acquired an Associate of Arts Degree from San Bernardino Junior College, and was later promoted to management. After retiring in February 2000, Don took a five-year break before joining Lowe’s Home Improvement for his final 15 years of service, helping others in the “tool world.”

Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Suzanne; three daughters, Debbie, Cheri, and Dawn; brother, Jim; sister, Deanna; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Dorothy; three brothers, Bob, David, and Raymie; son Gary and grandson, Cuyler.

A private U.S. Army honors service and celebration of Don’s life will be held for the family at 9:30 AM on March 30, 2023, at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, CA. In place of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Help Heal Veterans at healvets.org, where funds are used to send therapeutic craft kits to veterans to help with healing and rehabilitation.

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