Donald Junior Grimes passed away on December 11, 2011, at the VA Mountain View Living Center in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was 89.

Don was born on December 22, 1921 in Port Orchard, Washington to John D. and Alma Yonkee Grimes. He moved to Sheridan shortly after birth, where he spent his entire life, except for the years during WWII.

Don enlisted in the US Army Air Force in 1941, and trained as a radio operator/gunner at Scott Field, Illinois. Don flew with a B-24 crew in the 93rd Bombardment Group. His squadron flew first out of England, and later out of Libya. Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Don flew in the famous Ploesti Raid, a mission to bomb the oil fields of Romania. Twelve days following the Ploesti Raid, Don survived a crash in Wil, Switzerland. He was interned in Switzerland for nearly two years, where he served as a radio operator at the U.S. State Department in Berne.

Don returned to Sheridan after the war, and married Catherine M. Fulghum of Delta, CO, on June 13, 1946. Don and Kate enjoyed their family, mountain trips, fly-fishing and gardening. Catherine preceded Don in death after 61 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his youngest daughter, Patty Ann Riley of Erie, CO, and his brother, William Grimes of Great Falls, MT.

Surviving children of Don and Catherine are Barbara Sowada (Robert) of Rock Springs, WY, Nancy Grimes Stranger of Glenwood Springs, CO, Charles Grimes of Sheridan, WY, and Robert William Grimes (Sally) of Laramie, WY. Also surviving are five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Sheridan VA Mountain View Living Center in the spring. Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

SheridanMedia.com - December 21, 2011.