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JEFFERSON -- Donald (Don) Lee Jefferson, age 76, died January 3, 2009, at the University of New Mexico Medical Center in Albuquerque, following a brief illness. Mr. Jefferson was born on April 8, 1932, to Elda Pearl and George Harrison Jefferson in Stillwell, OK. His grandparents were part of the generation that made the original Oklahoma Land Run in 1889. He graduated from Stillwell High School in 1948, and joined the United States Army in 1949. Mr. Jefferson served in both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Campaign during his 30-year military career. In honor of his service and sacrifice to country, he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, along with numerous meritorious honors and medals. Mr. Jefferson married Gertrud Ilse Flaig of Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany, in 1953. Together, they shared a military life and moved with the Army to Texas, Louisiana, France, Washington, West Virginia, Germany and finally, Colorado. He and Ilse had five children together. He was actively involved with the military protestant church community, often serving as a deacon, or teaching Sunday school, or leading adult Bible education classes wherever he was stationed. While in the Army, Mr. Jefferson sought to continue his education, receiving both his bachelor of art in history and master of art in psychology from the University of Maryland. His final tour of duty was at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. Following his retirement from the Army in 1979, he began to work for the State of Wyoming in the Department of Corrections where he worked as a prison psychologist and then managed the work farm. He then moved to Espanola, N.M., where he worked for the State of New Mexico in the State Health Department, and then left civil service to work as a hotel manager. In 1993, he moved to Gallup, N.M., where he managed the Ramada Inn up until his death. Mr. Jefferson enjoyed country music, old western TV shows and movies. He was always quick with a smile and a corny joke, and cared deeply for those around him, especially his employees at the Ramada Inn who became his second family. He had a special place in his heart for animals. He was loved by all, had not an enemy in the world, and lived his life with abundant joy. Mr. Jefferson is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Neil Jefferson; his grandson, Jack Jefferson; and his son-in-law Ron Gray. He is survived by his wife, Ilse, of Fort Collins, CO; his sons, Ron and wife Mary Jo of Valdostia, GA, and John and wife Dena of Colorado Springs, CO; his daughters, Rita Clark and husband Gary of Fort Collins, CO; Yvonne Gray-Garcia and husband Tony of Heidelberg, Germany, and Carol Borchert and husband Kevin also of Fort Collins. He was most proud of his grandchildren, Mickey and Rachel Jefferson, Michael and Lauren Clark, Christopher and Erin Gray, Grant Garcia, Alex and Anna Borchert, and Reese Jefferson. He also is survived by sister Opha Pearl Jefferson of Kansas City, MO; his nieces Karen, Deborah, Edith and Bob, and his long-time companion, Geneva Parsons. His three cats, Bubba, Savannah, and Samantha will miss him greatly. Mr. Jefferson will be interred with full military honors at Fort Morgan National Cemetery in Denver, CO, on Friday, January 9, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mr. Jefferson's honor to your local humane society or hospital foundation. Please visit our online guestbook for Mr. Jefferson at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-275-3500
        Published on: Thu January 08, 2009