Donald E Almendares, 74, died December 6, 2018 in Laramie, surrounded by family and friends. He was born August 28, 1944 to Dolores (Rael) and Jose Candido Almendares in Questa, NM.
Donald graduated from Laramie High School in 1964 and attended the University of Wyoming. He met Waiva Wells in Laramie and they were married July 25, 1969. He proudly served his country in the Wyoming Army National Guard and the US Army, serving in Vietnam. Waiva and Donald lived in North Carolina while in the Army and returned to Laramie in 1978. Donald worked as the crane operator for Spiegelberg Lumber and Building Co. until he retired in 2008. He was a Past Master of Gem City Lodge #52 AF&AM, Past Patron of Snowy Range Chapter #45 OES, and Past Associate Guardian Job’s Daughters Bethel #44. Donald also volunteered for many community organizations and activities such as Laramie Jubilee Days, and anything else his family participated in.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Pearl Almendares and Sylvia (Don) Miller, and brother Melvyn Almendares. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Waiva, daughters Kristi (Justin) Curtright and Maria Almendares (Charlie Hoyt), grandchildren CJ and Jacob Curtright and Piper Henschel, his faithful dog Maggi, brother Elden (Laura) Almendares, sister-in-law Linda Almendares, nieces Yolanda (Tim) Daniels, Shavon Theis (Janet Preston), Amy (Craig) Moore, Tina (Scott) Jack, and Trisha Sparks, nephews Greg Almendares, Jeff Theis, Tony (Lisa) Theis, and countless other family and friends.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 18th, 1:00pm, at St. Paul’s Newman Center followed by graveside military honors and Masonic graveside rites at Greenhill Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Paul’s Newman Center. Memorial contributions can be made to Wreaths Across America (sponsor Greenhill Cemetery, Laramie) or Hospice of Laramie.
All Masons meet at the temple at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
15 Comments To "Donald E. Almendares"
#1 Comment By Debbie Pickett and Bob Peterson On December 11, 2018 @ 4:42 pm
Waiva and family, We were very sorry to read of Donald’s passing. All of you are in our thoughts.
#2 Comment By Anonymous On December 11, 2018 @ 8:17 pm
I wanted to tell you how much all your family has meant to me over the years. I have had the pleasure of knowing most of your wonderful family and of course Donald was one of them. He was always such a sweetheart. Having a smile on his face most of the years I knew him. Bless each and everyone of you during this hard time. Losing Sylvia, then Melvin and now Donald has not been easy. They all hold a special place in my heart. Prayers to all of you.
#3 Comment By Greg Almendares On December 11, 2018 @ 9:34 pm
I will always love you and I will always miss you love you very much “bunky “
#4 Comment By Jeanne and John Van Heule On December 11, 2018 @ 9:37 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are holding you in love and prayer.
#5 Comment By Jean Palfrey On December 11, 2018 @ 10:07 pm
Thank you for your service to this country. May you Rest in Peace, and God hold your family, forever in his arms.
#6 Comment By Dave Wright On December 12, 2018 @ 5:33 am
Rest in Peace, Don
We’ll talk over old times when I get there. Friend, classmate LHS 64, WY-ARNG, B-1-2 FLW Mo 64
#7 Comment By Vee Kanada On December 12, 2018 @ 10:27 am
My prayers for all of you. You have all been wonderful friends to me & my family for many years. May God bring you peace and comfort.
#8 Comment By Sophia On December 12, 2018 @ 1:46 pm
My wonderful-memory, is making enchaladas with you for Sunday supper and sitting behind you at basketball games. Wonder children and a loving family man. Angel hugs to all.
#9 Comment By Catherine Omondi On December 12, 2018 @ 10:21 pm
Maria we are so sorry for your loss … May your dad RIP you and your family remain in our thoughts
#10 Comment By Lee griebe On December 13, 2018 @ 7:32 am
Thank you for always being a mentor to me don you are truly missed by my family and as well as all the kids that um you reached out to I will always remember going camping in vedawoo when it was cold and rainy . Th me girls wanted to leave but you made it fun and taught me so much thank you and we will see you again
#11 Comment By Mary Runner On December 13, 2018 @ 1:17 pm
Truly sorry for your families loss.
#12 Comment By . On December 15, 2018 @ 7:44 am
Marvin and Kathy Browning.
Don, we will always remember the laughter and tears you brought to our lives. Waiva and family, we know what you are going through, the hurt, the tears, and it will last a long time. But we also know that the memories, the gatherings of family members, the laughter you will recall will help you. Our throughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all and know that you are loved.
#13 Comment By Sam & Bonnie Chavez On December 15, 2018 @ 3:46 pm
To the family of Donald , Please accept our sincere condolences. Sincerely, Sam & Bonnie Chavez
#14 Comment By Dennis Woods On December 15, 2018 @ 8:53 pm
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Don’t family. I knew Don for many years, and he was always a kind, caring friend who always saw the best in everyone he met. He will be missed!
#15 Comment By Ann Benson Palomba On December 22, 2018 @ 8:49 am
With our deepest sympathy for the loss of Donald.