James Donald "Don" Kohler

JAMES DONALD “DON” KOHLER James Donald “Don” Kohler died Thursday, Sept.30, 2010 at The Mancos Valley Inn. He was 86. Graveside services will be held at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, Colo. at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2010. Mr. Kohler was born to Henry and Ruth Kohler on Aug. 9, 1924 in Pagosa Springs, Colo.; later moving to Arboles, Colo. After graduating he served in the Army during World War II. Following Basic Training, he went to Iwo Jima after the US captured the island. Later he was among the Occupation Force in Japan and transferred to the Air Corp where he was honorably discharged. Don mentioned that while in Japan, the Japanese were appreciative of the US Servicemen and the Occupation Force efforts. On May 27, 1955 he married Darlene Ellen Maness in the Aztec Methodist Church. He spent his life farming, driving a truck for Union Carbide in Nucla Colo., and was a mechanic for many years. Don enjoyed playing the guitar, fiddle, piano and harmonica. He was a very caring man with always a joke to share. He is survived by his son, Dale Kohler, of Pueblo, Colo., daughter, Sharon Reed and husband Tom Reed of LaCenter, Wash.; grandsons, Logan and Nathan Reed, both of LaCenter, Wash.; former wife, Darlene Jones of Cortez Colo.; sister, Doris Walker of Durango Colo.; niece, LaRie Ford and husband, John of Durango; great niece Cheyanne Ford of Durango, Colo.; and brother-in-Law, Frank Auderset of Durango, Colo. He is preceded in death by sisters, Shirley Auderset and Betty Stutzer. He is preceded in death by sisters, Shirley Auderset and Betty Stutzer. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of James “Don” Kohler with the Durango VFW, 1550 Main Ave. Durango, Colo. 81301.