Donald Earl Lichtenwalter

Donald Earl Lichtenwalter, age 88, died on August 20, 2013 at Littleton Hospital in Littleton, Colorado surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. Don was born on July 11, 1925 in Denver, Colorado to Earl and Louise Lichtenwalter. He graduated from South High School in 1943 and was a Colonel in the Highlander Boys. On October 18, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to train as a Navigator and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant during World War II. While training in the Army Air Corps he received his initial college education from Drake University in Iowa. Upon finishing military service he returned to Denver and enrolled at the University of Denver to complete his education. He graduated in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In his last term at DU, Don decided to take an elective class in piano. The teacher's names were listed in the course catalog and the name Champion appealed to him as it sounded like a nice ""masculine"" name. As it turned out the piano teacher's full name was Elaine Champion!Don's piano lessons eventually ended but not the association and after a first date at a DU football game and a year later, Don and Elaine were married on December 17, 1950. They were married for 62 years! Just out of college in 1949, Don was employed as a Rate Administration Director with Public Service Company (now Excel Energy) in downtown Denver, where he worked for thirty eight years. Don and Elaine enjoyed many fun associations and outings with friends in the Public Service Company Camera Club. Don retired in 1987. Don was a man of uncommon kindness, friendliness, intelligence and humor. He always had a kind word or an offer of helpfulness. Don's many hobbies included photography, cars, motorcycles, models and clock and watch repair. He was a steady reader of many magazines related to his hobbies. For over 20 years he enjoyed going to a clock and watch repair class offered once a week by the downtown Emily Griffith Opportunity School. Don also had a special affinity for cake and cookies and he relished every opportunity to sample Elaine's delicious holiday or birthday baking! Above all Don was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandpa, friend and neighbor. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, daughter, Kay (Ray) and granddaughter, Camille as well as his brother Gordon (Aggie) and nephews Dan (Becky), Steve (Debbie) and niece Wendy; 2 great nieces, 3 great nephews, 1 great-great niece and 2 great-great nephews. Memorial donations may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church Music Ministry. Visitation will be held 4-6pm, Monday, August 26 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood. Graveside Service, 9:30am, Tuesday, August 27, Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area ""B"". Memorial Service, 11am, Tuesday, August 27 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 6281 W. Yale Ave., Lakewood. Please share your memories of Donald and condolences for the family by clicking the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.