Donald R. Paugh

Donald R. "Don" Paugh, died peacefully at his home in Sun City, AZ, on Sunday, August 13, 2017. He was the son of the late Everett and Lois Paugh, born in Minneapolis, MN, on January 24, 1932. The family moved to Phoenix in the 1940's where Don attended Phoenix Union High School and later attended the University of Minnesota where he earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the U of M's rifle team. Don spent two years with the United States Air Force on loan to NASA at Moffett Naval Air Station in California where he was part of the Air Research and Development Command. He continued to serve in the USAF reserves for nine more years. Don went to work for the Pillsbury Co. in 1957, spending time in Minneapolis, Buffalo, Springfield, IL and France, retiring in the 80's. Don came out of retirement to own and operate two stores in Calhoun Square. Don married Betty Bauer on Dec 31, 1955. They had seven children, Don Jr, David, Tom, Jerry, Jim, John and Katey. The family moved to Edina in 1962 and was active in the community for over thirty years. He coached dozens of hockey teams over the years and enjoyed his time at both Braemar Arena and the golf course in the summer. Don and Betty moved to Sun City in 2002 and joined the Sun City Country Club where Don became an active member. Don's other passion was flying; he owned a small plane and became a volunteer for Angel Flight in 2008. Don is survived by his wife Betty of 62 years, sons Don Jr and his wife Dee (Olin), Tom and his wife Dawn, Jerry and his wife Dana, Jim and his wife Nancy (Funkhouser), John, daughter Katey and her husband Scott Taylor. They have fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Lois Paugh, son David and granddaughter, Abigail Taylor.A wake will be held on Thursday, October 19th between 4:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. to celebrate Don's life at the Paugh's home in Sun City. Funeral services will be held at St. Joachim and St. Anne Parish Sun City, 11625 N. 111th Ave., Sun City on Friday, October 20th at 10:00 A.M. Interment prayers and burial will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Cave Creek, at the convenience of his family.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abbey's Hope Charitable Foundation. (www.AbbeysHope.org) in honor of Don's well lived life.