Donald Wayne Samuels

Donald Wayne Samuels

Donald Wayne Samuels passed away November 15, 2022 in Renton, WA. He is survived by his three children, Marian, Helen, and Robert, as well as three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was also survived by his wife, Ruth, who unfortunately passed a short 9 days later. Son of Ruth and Raemon, Donald was born February 11, 1938 in Trona, California where he lived until graduating from Trona High School.

During his school years, he was in the band for four years, the varsity club for three years, was a member of the track team for two years, a member of the basketball team for two years, and a member of the Hanksite Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He also won trophies in diving competitions. Donald graduated high school in 1955.

He served as a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force from June 28, 1955, immediately after high school, through February 13, 1959, achieving the rank of Airman First Class. In 1955, he went to the home of one of his fellow servicemen for Thanksgiving where he would meet his buddy’s sister, Ruth Marie Bachar, and fall in love. According to Ruth, “he was the best looking guy I ever saw.” They were married four years later in 1959 and three months after that they moved to Reno so that Donald could attend the University of Reno, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree in 1965. To support themselves, both of them worked in the casinos, Ruth working full time and Donald on weekends and during the summers.

Donald and Ruth moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965 for his new job at Titanium Metals of Henderson, where he worked until his retirement, and was even trusted to represent the company on business flights to Japan. Raising three children, they made sure to often include trips to the mountains, Lake Mead, and multiple ventures by camper across the country. Even after the children were grown, Donald and Ruth took many trips together, including cruises to Alaska, Tahiti, and through the Panama Canal.

An avid golfer, Donald was proud of his hole in one trophy and he participated in tournaments at the Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley. He loved the music of the steel guitar, tinkering around with electronics, and telling puns. Those who knew Donald, remember him as an extremely intelligent and kind man with a quick wit who was always willing to lend a hand.