Donald R. Avery, 88, passed away unexpectedly at his home Wednesday, October 29, 2014. Don was born on May 21, 1926. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Carrie and George Avery, his mother, Violet Avery, his wife, Gladys Jane Rockwell Avery and his youngest son, Russell Claire Avery. He is survived by his three children, Kenneth J. and Susan M. Avery, Gerald L. and Diane E. Avery and Laura J. and Tim Atchison; seven grandchildren: Jared J. Atchison, Karen E. (Avery) Coulter, Kim L. (Avery) Scott, James D. Avery and Carrie A. (Avery) Malpica; Sarah (Atchison) and Justin Brewer; Andrew and Renee Atchison; and six great-grandchildren; Stephanie and Vincent Malpica, Blythe Avery, Collin Scott, Cade Brewer and Hannah Atchison. Don was also blessed with extended family members, Sarah, Justin, and Cade Brewer and Andrew, Renee and Hannah Atchison. Don enjoyed animals and had many dogs, cats, chickens and fish throughout his lifetime. As a youth he fondly remembered rescuing a red-tail hawk and cared for it until could fly. He loved to observe wildlife in his back yard. He also enjoyed coon hunting with his older sons and his best dog “Ruby”. He was a craftsman and enjoyed building model airplanes as well as flying them with his son Russell, both being members of the Air Wolves Flying Club. Don and Gladys were fans of Speedway Motorcycle races. He was just as enthusiastic watching his two youngest, Russell and Laura, race their dirt bikes on the neighborhood track. Don served in the Air Force during the later years of W.W.II and was honorably discharged on November 10, 1945.
The family will receive friends on at the Allen Memorial Funeral Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Wednesday from 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.