Don Courtney
September 22, 1926 ~ October 31, 2009
Don Courtney, 83, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, of lung cancer. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. William Harnish. Military honors by American Legion Post #727. Survivors include his daughter, Connie Murphy of Cedar Rapids; granddaughter, Deb (Jeremy) Taylor of Marion; brother, William Courtney of Clear Lake, Iowa; sister, Virginia VanDyke of Willowbrook, Illinois; step-daughter, Judy Strait; step-son, Craig Strait; step-granddaughter, Tracy Powell; step-grandson, Dennis Strait, all of Cedar Rapids; and several other step-grandchildren. Also surviving are his good friends, Phil & Jan Olivier; co-workers, Terry Dawson, John Kirchoff, Al Keller; and his dog and best friend, Bud. Don was born September 22, 1926, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Thomas and Lulu Le Huch Courtney. Don served with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. He worked for D&S Glass Co. and then in 1975, he became a City Bus Driver. He was past president of the Local 638 ATU Bus Driver's Union. He retired in 2003. In 1976, he married Arlene Strait. She died in 1995. He enjoyed watching car racing and spending time with his family and friends. Don will be missed by all who knew him.
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I remember Don from when I was a child as the “Doughnut Man” I have lived away from Cedar Rapids now for 23 years and whenever I would come for a visit he would always bring me my favorite cream filled Long John with sprinkles on top. When my dad Phil called me this morning I was so sad and had to tell everyone in my office about my memories of my beloved “Doughnut Man” he will be truly missed by all, and I am sure he and Willy are driving buses in heaven. My love to his family.
Denise Kirkwood
Connie & Family-
I am so sorry for your loss yet I heard Don getting after me this morning when I was slow going! He was always there looking out for me and the kids and I know in my heart he will continue to do so! He will be greatly missed!!!
Connie and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Don was a great guy with many great stories. Things in the neighborhood after the flood were not the same without him. He thought a lot about Nikki and her kids. They saw him as a grandfather. RIP Don. I will drink a cold one for ya
Heather, Noah and Eden Losch
You’ll be missed grandpa. love you.
We will all miss you and u will forever be in our hearts especially your little Alexis
My mother and father were good friends of Don’s, there names were Cut and Minnie Gandy, they said that they named me after Don. I’m sorry to hear about your loss, Sincerely Don Gandy
Connie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a very giving person. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it or even if he wanted you to have it. Don was a giver. Giving things like stuffed animals to the little trick or treaters, pop and beer to friends and neighbors, not to mention the money and cars he often gave as a surprise. Many people benefitted from his generosity and kind heart. The best thing he gave you were more memories of you and him together in the last few years and I hope they are a comfort to you at this time and bring a smile and some peace to you in the future when you think of your dad. He could not of asked for a better daughter. You did a wonderful job taking care of him on HIS TERMS. He will be missed by all that knew him.
DAD WAS ALWAYS A FUNNY GUY, A HARD WORKER, GREAT HUSBAND, & GREAT DAD. ALTHOUGH DAD & I HADN’T SPOKE IN YEARS I KNOW HE KNEW HE WAS THE GREATEST DAD WE COULD HAVE ASKED FOR. I THANK THE LORD FOR THE TIME WE HAD TOGETHER, YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED DAD!
YOUR SON,
CRAIG STRAIT & WIFE
It’s been a long time since I have seen Don. I am Arlene’s sister-in-law(Len’s wife)To Judy and Craig,from all of our family,we send you our deepest regrets.I know Don will be greatly missed.Len and him spent many a days working on cars together,now maybe they can get together and fix some in Heaven. All our love and prayers,Randie Jones(Willis) and family
Know that you made an impact on all who were touched by your kindness.
You may be gone Grandpa but you will live forever in my heart.I will never stop thinking about my grandpa every time I see a city bus go by I think of him.I am honored that I got to have him in my life for as long as I did.Even though I was not ready for him to leave us just yet nor would I ever be I take comfort in knowing that I was able to speak to him the day he passsed on and was able to be with him in his final moments.It comforts my heart to know that he was not in pain in his final moments.He will be truly missed by all who have known him and all whose hearts he has touched.I miss you and love you always Grandpa.
This message is for Connie. I am sorry for your loss. I had not seen you or your Dad for years but have thought about you all often. I did not see the paper that day and was just told about it today. I am sorry I was not able to attend the memorial. He was such a great friend to the family and we will keep all of you in our prayers. I spent a lot of time with Connie when we were very young. It would be great to hear from you again.
Sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.