Don Wolverton
Don Wolverton, beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2024.
Don was born to Merle and Margaret Wolverton on April 15, 1942, in Orange, California. He grew up in a loving home with his two brothers, Gary and Mike. The three brothers enjoyed spending time in the sun at the family home in the pool and surrounding orchards. He loved growing up in California and spent weekends body surfing at the beach, racing cars, and exploring the outdoors with his friends. Don developed life-long friendships, many of whom he remained in contact throughout the years.
Don graduated from Tustin High School in 1960. He immediately enlisted in the Army Reserves and served for two years at Fort Ord, California. After the Army released Don from active duty, he and his brother, Mike, spent time in Hawaii, which continued to feed his love of the beach and may have started his affinity for Hawaiian shirts.
Shortly thereafter, Don attended Orange Coast College and Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo for agriculture. He decided to end his college career after several years when his father asked him to go on an extended elk hunting trip.
In 1965, Don moved to Idaho with his immediate family where he eventually partnered with them in Golden Valley Land and Cattle Company. He was passionate about farming and worked from dawn to dark with his hands in the soil or learning methods for increasing crop production. Don was appointed to the Idaho Potato Commission, where he traveled the world educating people about Idaho potatoes. Of course, he didn’t need a reason to talk about potatoes. In his honor, we’d like to remind you not to cook your potatoes in tin foil and blossom them with a fork, never a knife.
Don married the love of his life, Georgina Eaton, daughter of Curtis and Wilma Eaton, in June 1972 after a short 6-month courtship. Don and Georgina could not be more different, but they shared an incredible love of family and had two children, Sarah and Gina Dawn. Don’s girls were his pride and joy. During their childhood, you would find the family of four waterskiing, camping (much to Georgina’s chagrin), and riding horses. Don continued to enjoy hunting and kept the family fridge stocked with game.
Following the sale of the farm in the mid-1990s, Don embarked on his second career, buying and selling classic cars, which perfectly combined his passion for cars with the mechanical knowledge he gained in the Army and on the racetracks. He opened Royal W Enterprises, a classic car dealership in Twin Falls, and eventually, shifted to an online-only presence. He always maintained a large shop where he would tinker on his personal collection of cars.
Don never had sons, but he felt fortunate to have close relationships with his nephews and nieces, especially Blaine Wolverton. He also felt blessed to gain two men in his life through marriage to his daughters who he proudly referred to as his “sons.” Gina Dawn met Dan O’Donnell in 1998, and they married in 2003. Sarah brought Hans Glenn into the family’s life in 2012, and they married in 2014. Gina Dawn and Dan later had three girls, Madelyn, Olivia, and Emilia, and Sarah and Hans had a son, Silas. The grandkids called Don “Papa,” and he embraced this role with love and kindness. He was “Papa” to more than his biological grandkids and expanded his role to all kids in the O’Donnell, Johnson, and Glenn families.
Throughout his life, Don remained active in a number of organizations, including Potato Growers of Idaho, Idaho Chariots, Horseless Carriage Club of America, and the Elks. He was also proud to be an Eagle Scout.
Don is survived by his immediate family Georgina Wolverton, Sarah Wolverton, Hans Glenn, Silas Wolverton Glenn, Ivy Glenn, Sebastian Glenn, Gina Dawn Wolverton, Dan O’Donnell, Madelyn Wolverton O’Donnell, Olivia Wolverton O’Donnell, and Emilia Wolverton O’Donnell. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Wolverton, and other family, including Blaine Wolverton (Shelli Race), Gary Wolverton Jr., Christa Farmer (Kent Farmer), Matt Wolverton (Cheron Wolverton), and their children. He is also survived by his extended family, Curtis Eaton (Mardo), Dylan Eaton (Whitney) and their children, the O’Donnell and Johnson families, and a number of close friends, including Don Rosholm. Don was predeceased by his brother, Gary Wolverton Sr.
The family will hold a celebration of life for family and close friends on June 14, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider donations to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation and reference the agriculture scholarship in memory of Don Wolverton. Checks can be mailed to the CSI Foundation—Don Wolverton Ag Scholarship at PO Box 1238 Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.