Don was born to George Marvin and May Pearl (McIlravy) Lee in Alliance, Nebraska. Don grew up in Alliance and attended public school. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned to Alliance and worked at the packing plant and Safeway. He was involved with the Volunteer Fire Department and the Boy Scouts. He attended the Methodist Church.
In 1965, he married Bonnie Matticks. They remained in Alliance until Don transferred to Grand Junction, Colorado with Safeway. After Don retired from Safeway he continued to work for Herbergers. In 2013, he moved to Chadron, Nebraska and lived there until 2021 when he moved to the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff.
Don was preceded in death by Bonnie, his parents and siblings.
Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Nebraska Alliance Veterans Cemetery. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com.