San Andreas, CA…Donald E. Stillwell January 4, 1933 ~ September 29, 2024 (age 91).  Donald Eugene Stillwell, January 4, 1933 – September 29, 2024.  Don Stillwell died peacefully with his loving partner of 19 years, Glenna Larson, at his side playing and singing the Rod Stewart version of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”. He was 91.

Don is survived by his three daughters, Beryl Bridget Stillwell, Belinda Eve Stillwell and Bonnie Joan Edwards, stepson, William Edward Stillwell and grandchildren Maegann Pauline Edwards and Olivia Faye Edwards.

Don was born in Buffalo, New York. His mother was Ruth Eleanor Stilwell. He was raised by his foster parents, Norma Wieland and Jim Calkins.

In 1950, just before the Korean War, he enlisted in the Army. He was assigned to 1740 HQ CO 16th Infantry Regiment. They were stationed in Nuremberg and Schweinfurt, Germany where he attended the US Army Communications School. For his service, he was awarded The Army of Occupation of Germany Medal. After his service, The Army assigned him to regimental headquarters as a voice and continuous wave radio operator. He was a member of a 24-hour surveillance radio network.

In 1956, he was employed by Philco-Ford and assigned as an instructor at Fort Bliss, TX. He became a formal classroom instructor in basic electronics. The student body consisted of US Army AAA officers and NATO officers.

In 1957, Philco-Ford appointed him as an instructor for the Ordinance Guided Missile School in Huntsville, AL. Between 1960 and 1968, he was directly involved in satellite operations. These “secret” operations moved him and his family between Palo Alto, CA and New Boston, NH. His job titles included Vehicle Director, Project Administrator and Station Manager.

In 1968, he was assigned as Chief of Operations to the now declassified Thule Air Base Remote Tracking Station in Greenland. His service coincided with the unfortunate Broken Arrow B52 crash and cleanup in nearby Baffin Bay.

In 1968 he was hired by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, CA where he worked as a Research Engineer for 30 years. He tried to retire in 1998, moving to Valley Springs, CA but Lockheed brought him back as a Federal Contractor, System Test Engineer. He officially retired in 2000.

As his children, radio flier enthusiasts, duplicate bridge partners, family and friends will attest, his teaching and leadership characteristics always reflected his patience, understanding and creative techniques. Ever involved in community and service, he became a competitor, instructor and judge for the Radio-Controlled Aircraft community competing, attending and teaching around the State of California. Once retired, he immediately became involved in the Calaveras County Seniors’ Center where he was elected President and then Treasurer for 20 years. He was the founding member and Bridge Director of Gold Country Duplicate, a Bridge Club in San Andreas, CA.

Don was under the care of Hospice of Amador and Sutter Counties and had taken residence at the Golden San Andreas Care Center. The family would like to thank all of those involved in his care. Especially Glenna for her daily connections with Don.

At this time no service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations to the Calaveras County Seniors’ Center, Inc. at P.O Box 1526, San Andreas, CA 95249

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