Donald Lee Jonas, of Foristell, passed away Sunday, May 28, at the age of 91 attended by his devoted wife and loved ones.
Born January 18, 1932, in Jennings, to Titus and Helen (Wilson) Jonas. Don is preceded in death by his parents, brother, John W. Jonas, and sister-in-law, Jenneane Jonas.
Don proudly and honorably served in the United States Airforce during the Korean War from 1952 to 1956 at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas. Then in the Airforce Reserves until 1959.
Before and after joining the Airforce, Don was employed at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis as a machinist. After the Airforce, Don attended Parks College in Illinois and earned a degree in Aircraft maintenance and engineering. He also earned his flight certificate.
Don retired from being a corporate pilot in 2007. He loved living on a private airstrip. He achieved his lifelong goal of owning property on the airstrip with his own Cessna 170 plane and hanger. Building a home with dormers and a large front porch on 15 acres was the icing on the cake. Don’s biggest passion was teaching young people to fly and through the flying of 477 young Eagles, he achieved his goal at EAA Chapter 32 St. Charles Airport.
Don was married to the late Jo (Hawkins) Jonas, and together, they had five children: Russell Jonas of MO; Randall Jonas of FL; Roger (Joanna) Jonas of Moscow Mills; Robin (Steven) Fitzpatrick of St. Charles; and Roy (Dawn) Jonas of Chandler, AZ.
Don was the loving husband of JoAnn (McCaleb) Jonas for 30 years. He was a dear stepfather of Martin Ferrell of Foristell, and Elita Sue Ferrell of Kansas City.
Donald was a cherished grandfather of 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by a host of many nieces and nephews and additional loved ones.
Donald was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memorials may be made in Donald's name to the Young Eagles Club c/o Chapter 32 - St. Charles County Airport, 6410 Grafton Ferry Road, Portage Des Sioux, MO 63373.
The family is being served by Baue Funeral Homes. A graveside service will be held June 12, at 1 p.m. at St. Charles Memorial Gardens.
