Don grew up in a small town in the heartland of America during the 1950s.  Like millions of other “Baby Boomers” growing up in midwest rural towns at that time, Don enjoyed a large close-knit family, which fostered the passing-down of life lessons through story-telling. 

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After graduating from Iowa Falls High School in 1965, Don attended The Ohio State University.  While majoring in International Studies, Don also learned how to fly airplanes and helicopters, achieving commercial pilot ratings. After graduating from OSU in 1969, Don joined the U.S. Marine Corps as an officer and progressed through a series of flying assignments, including combat bombing missions in A-6A jets in Vietnam. 

 

After the service, Don married Linda Combs in Columbus, Ohio in 1975. They moved to Richardson, Texas later that year, and raised three children: Cari, Jaime, and Chad. Don embarked on a 35-year career in computer software sales and consulting.  Don and Linda enjoyed 23 years of marriage until she died in 1998 from a malignant brain tumor at the young age of 46.

 

Don published his first book, Star Benchwarmers, as a tribute to his wife and the struggles she faced during her battle with cancer.  His next book was Teachings From Pop, a collection of stories of the early settlers of Iowa Falls, including several teachings from the author’s grandfather, Sumner Osgood.  

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His latest book, Life Lessons Learned in Grade School - Part One, chronicles the shenanigans and lessons learned as a child progressing from kindergarten through 3rd grade.  The youngster makes all kinds of mistakes and learns many lessons the hard way.