Donald Melvin Karraker

DONALD MELVIN KARRAKER Don Melvin Karraker, born November 12, 1933 in Long Beach, Calif. passed at his home with family at his side Tuesday, January 27, 2015. Don was raised in both Long Beach, Calif. and Holyoke, Colo. Don and Bert married September 14, 1952 in Yuma, Colo. He was playing semi-pro baseball in Nebraska and the surrounding area at the time. Don moved to Cortez with his family as a Farmer's Union Insurance Agent and worked for Meadow Gold; working for the City of Cortez and Conquistador Golf Course as well. All the while involved with his love for sports; he played them all and officiated them all. Later moving to Meeker Golf Course and becoming the Certified Superintendent and Greens Keeper. He improved the course layout with great care while "Ike" the family dog rode the golf cart checking for ground squirrels. Don was very proud to obtain his PGA Teaching Pro Card at Cherry Hills and of his accomplishment at Meeker Golf Course. From Conquistador and Meeker, to Leisure World and Alta Mesa Country Club in Mesa, Ariz. There wasn't anywhere Don and Bert went that someone didn't "know him"; whether it was because of his friendliness or community spirit, his involvement with coaching or a simple discussion on the street. Don was well read and had a great understanding and compassion for all people. Surviving Donald are his wife, Alberta "Bert" Karraker; children, Mitzi Gail Byers and husband, Bill, Arny Karraker and wife, Patti all of Cortez; four grandchildren, Tisha Dawn Ludiker and husband, William of Tennessee, Megan Churning of Wyoming, Aaron Karraker and wife, Kellie of Thornton, Colo., Abram Karraker and wife, Kim of Thornton, Colo.; 12 great grandchildren, Tristan Ludiker, Payton Ludiker, Carleah Ludiker, Khriz Kardokus, Mordecai Risenhoover, Kamryn Churning, Austin Karraker and wife, Alix, Ayden Karraker, Aubree Karraker, Brooklyn Karraker, Bailey Karraker, Rylan Karraker; and one great great grandchild, Kendall Karraker. Preceding him in death are his parents, Leonard and Mildred Karraker; son, Mitchell Donny Karraker; and granddaughter, Mesha Karraker. Private family services will be held at a later date.