~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, PAA/DL Capt. Donald Richard Giddens
August 27, 1934 - June 2, 2019
Word has reached us with the passing of retired Pan Am/Delta
pilot Captain Donald Richard Giddens, age 84. Captain Giddens joined Pan
American 05-22-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines. Widowed in October 2014
with the passing of his wife Donna, Captain Giddens is survived by their
children and grandchildren.
Interment will be July 15th at Sacramento Valley National
Cemetery, Dixon CA......please see information below.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
Obituary..............Donald Richard
Giddens
Don made his final trip West and turned on the afterburners to join his
wife Donna on June 2, 2019.
Don was born in Waterford California on August 27, 1934. He attended local
schools and graduated from Oakdale High School participating in basketball and
football. After graduation from college, Don followed his passion for flying and
was accepted in to the United States Airforce cadet program.
In 1956, Don graduated from the USAF aviation Cadet class 56T-12. Don
completed his primary training at Malden AFB and his basic at Bryan AFB. In
1957, during a ship training mission, there was an engine explosion that blew
the entire tail section off his plane. Don safely ejected from the F-86 fighter
jet. He became a proud member of the "Caterpillar Club".
Don met the love of his life Donna when he was a cadet and later married
her in 1957. Don continued his Airforce career with Donna at his side, traveling
to vast parts of the world. They celebrated 57 wonderful years together,
purchasing a home in Danville, in 1967 where they raised two beautiful
daughters, Dianne and Denise.
Don retired from active service in 1967 and began a career flying with Pan
American Airlines. Don continued his flying career with Delta Airlines until his
retirement in 1994.
Don was devoted to his family above all. He was a loving and supportive
father and was the consummate grandfather to his four grandchildren. He rarely
missed their games, performances, swim meets and more; he truly enjoyed being
with them.
Don and Donna Traveled the United States training and competing with his
beloved Springer Spaniels. His love for the outdoors and traveling throughout
the United States meeting and making new friends along the way. Those who knew
Don experienced a kind and loving man with a passion for life. Those who did not
have the chance to meet Don missed out on a rare opportunity to meet a true
Gentleman!
Don is survived by his two wonderful daughters Dianne Faber and Denise
Simmons, two sons in laws Matt Faber and Aaron Simmons, and his four beloved
grandchildren Bret Simmons, Nick Faber, Zach Faber, and Kelly Simmons
There were no strangers to Don, only friends he hadn't yet met.
An Interment will be held on July 15, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Sacramento Valley
National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620.
View the online memorial for Donald Richard Giddens
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Donna M. Giddens
Sept 3, 1936 - Oct 12, 2014
Resident of Danville Donna passed away on Sunday after an
ongoing battle with Dementia. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and
adoring wife with a fun sense of humor. She was born in Oklahoma City but later
moved to Gustine California as a toddler. She continued her education through
Business School. Donna met the love of her life, Don Giddens an Air Force cadet
at the age of 19 and later married him in 1957. Don and Donna traveled the world
together as the Air Force relocated them. Their adventures eventually brought
them to Danville in 1967 where Don began a career with Pan American Airlines.
Together they shared many heartwarming stories in their 57 years of marriage.
Donna worked for 20 years as an Administrative Assistant originally at Moore
Business Forms and later retiring at Kaiser. Donna enjoyed flowers, making
delicious meals and desserts, attending and helping out at her daughters various
events, and her English Springer Spaniels....................
