Jack Donner

Jack Donner passed away Monday, August 22, 2022, at LaVilla Grande Care Center in Grand Junction, CO. He was 89 years old.

Jack was born to Loren and Blanche (Adams) Donner in Nebraska.  In the following years, he was joined by three brothers, Cloid, Loren, Richard, and a sister, Barbara Sue. The family traveled throughout the states of Nebraska, Idaho, Oregon, California, and Arizona. While in Arizona, Jack was drafted into the Army before his 21st birthday. He did basic training at Fort Ord, ending up in Fort Riley, KS, before he transferred to the Yuma Test Station to help with the family farm in his off-duty time. He was discharged after 22 months, and the family moved to Collbran, CO. Jack worked at various jobs before he met the love of his life, Lonnie (Bernice) Cason. They married in July 1961, and Jack gained a son, two-year-old Danny. Two years later, Jack started his career with the Colorado State Patrol.  His first assignment was in Craig, CO, where two more sons (Larry and James) joined the family. After eight and a half years, Jack, Lonnie and boys moved to Delta, CO.  In 1976, Jack promoted to Sergeant and was stationed in Hot Sulphur Springs. Jack and his family lived in the surrounding area before settling in Kremmling. They stayed there just under nine years, before transferring to Cortez, CO. Jack’s 25-year career in the State Patrol included making many friends, trying new experiences such as teaching first aid classes and joining The Toastmasters in Craig to improve his public speaking skills. He became known for the goodwill he generated between the communities he served and the State Patrol. He retired from the State Patrol in Cortez, CO., as a Sergeant in 1989. After retirement, Jack and Lonnie moved back to Delta, CO, to enjoy retirement, where Jack decided that meant going back to driving truck for several local truck companies.

Jack leaves behind his children: Larry Donner (Clifton, CO), James Donner (Clifton, CO); three grandchildren: Waylon (Terri Jo) Donner, Brittany (Josh) Oldham, and DJ Donner; five great-grandchildren: Robert, Jack, James, Garret and Ryker. Jack’s younger sister, Barbara Sue Powell. Family meant the world to Jack. He loved to tell stories of the history of his family.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Lonnie Donner (June 2015), his son, Daniel D. Donner (February 2018), younger brothers, Cloid D. Donner (December 1988), Loren B. Donner (May 2003), and Richard B. Donner (September 2018) his father (October 1974) and mother (January 1980).

The family requests contributions to the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation, (Attn: Funds Donation, 55 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80226, OR cspff.net/support-us). Flowers also are welcome.

Funeral services will be officiated by Don Mechem on Friday, August 26, 9 a.m. at Clifton Christian Church, 3241 F ¼ Rd., Clifton, CO 81520. Graveside services will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Fruita, CO.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Home, Grand Junction, CO.