Donnie Spies

Donnie W. Spies, 80, of Mountain Home, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 2, 2017. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, uncle and friend.

Don was born on May 20, 1936, in Pierce, Neb. He was the eldest of three sons born to William and Opal Spies. He graduated from Brunswick Nebraska High School in May 1954.

He then enlisted in the United States Air Force in September. His 10 years of service were served in Tacoma, Wash.; Burtonwood, England; Scotland, Germany, France, Texas and Welford, England.

During his time in Evanton R.A.F. Station in Scotland, he met and married the love of his life, Muriel. They were blessed with two daughters, Brenda and Sonya.

In January 1965, they began their next chapter of their life together in Mountain Home while Don was employed with Simplot Soil builders. Don operated Martins Truck Stop from 1969 to 1974.

Shortly after, Don found another passion when he joined the Mountain Home Police Department. Don served the Mountain Home community for 23 years, working his way through the ranks and retiring as a Lieutenant in April 2000.

After retiring, Don loved his R.V. life. He and Muriel spent the winter months in Yuma, Ariz., for 14 years. Don enjoyed his time and good friends in Yuma, where many special memories were made, wonderful stories were told, and many laughs were had over the countless card games.

Don loved playing card games, planting his garden, and spending time with family. He loved the Idaho mountains and spending time by the campfire with family. His newest passion was known as Don's Solar Lights for the past two years.

Don was a very kindhearted, giving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was always very involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives. His family couldn't wait for him to return Yuma with a new game and a chance to beat him every spring.

Don is survived by his bride of 60 years, Muriel. Surrounding Muriel with love and support is Don's daughters Brenda Franks (Stan) of Mountain Home and Sonya Turner of Tulsa, Oklah.; grandchildren Heidi (Matt) Wetherell of Meridian, Jodi (Travis) Jewett of Grand View, Dustin (Heather) Turner of Claremore, Okla., and Darren (Erin) Turner of Dallas, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

He recently shared with family the secret to marriage this past summer at their Anniversary Party -- just say, "Yes, Dear."

The family would like to personally thank Dr. Sims in Boise, Mountain Home Hospice, his buddy "Bobbie" from Hospice, and Elmore County St. Luke's for their great care of Don. They would like to thank the many friends who made the last few weeks a great time for Don.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Don Spies name to Treasure Valley Hospice of Mountain Home, 285 East 4th North St., Mountain Home, Idaho 83647, or Idaho Retired Law Enforcement Association, local Elmore County chapter, known as the Apple Dumpling Gang, c/o Julie Bunderson, P.O. Box 933 Mountain Home, Idaho 83647.

Don's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3850 Airbase Road in Mountain Home. They are requesting friends to gather for a celebration of Don's life following the service at the Elks Lodge in Mountain Home.