|
Donald W. Wooten, OSCM, U.S.N. (Retired), age 64 and a resident of Albuquerque, passed away suddenly at home on August 14, 2002. He was the eldest son of the late Rev. Wayne Wooten and the late Ruth Wooten of Hobbs, NM. He left behind his much-adored niece, Eva Wooten of Albuquerque. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Perry of Aztec, NM and three brothers, Wes of Kansas City, MO, Bill of Blue Spring, MO and Glen of Hobbs, NM. Also surviving are four children, Laurie Antocicco, Kathleen Wooten, Donald, Jr., and Eric, all of Southern California; his stepdaughters, Mandelin, Melinda and Miranda Palmer of Edgewood, NM; and four grandchildren, Jacob Preston and Heidi, Joey and Conor Antocicco. He leaves a special void in the hearts of his best friends, Tim McCory of Bosque Farms, NM and Charlene White of Bernalillo, NM. He was born in Quitaque, TX during the Depression so his folks moved the family around a lot, wherever the work would take them. He attended schools throughout New Mexico and Arkansas, having attended Albuquerque High School at one point. He would tell you his best years were in the Navy. He enlised at the age of 17, served his country proudly through several tours of Vietnam and received many commendations and medals for his leadership in combat. He was always there for"his men," and they knew it. Many will remember him on the softball or baseball fields, sweating in the hot sun,"manicuring" them so the kids could play a decent game of ball. No matter where you were at the ballfield, you could always see Don Wooten's"Cheshire cat" grin - he took a real joy in coaching the kids and pushing them to achieve their best. He was a task master indeed, but always leavened his words with kindness. He will be missed more than he would want to think. He had a way of filling up your whole world like a tornado with his presence, because that's how exuberant he was...and then, he was gone in a split second. His heart just couldn't handle sad good-byes, so he refused to partake in them. His most peaceful moments in life came to him at dawn, out on the ocean, when he was privileged to witness God's glory as the sun gave birth to a new day. His wishes were to be cremated and his ashes scattered at sea for this reason. He would be pleased to know that the U.S.S. Constellation, San Diego, CA, will be taking his mortal remains on this last journey, as this was the ship he served on proudly at the time of his retirement and honorable discharge as a Master Chief in 1974. It just seems fittin'."You will be missed, you ole' cuss, but I don't think you'd have had it any other way. May you know the peace now that comforted you so long ago, out on the open sea." Arrangements by Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, 821-0010.
|
