He married his angel and sweetheart Bernice Raye Overmiller on April 22, 1956. She was the love of his life and let everyone know it. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April 2016.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, John and Regina, brother Eugene David Sell and son John Lewis Sell (Paula).
He is survived by: his wife, Bernice; daughters Teena (David) Heinrich and Pamela Sell; son Donald R Sell (Tammy); grandchildren Dawn Garrett (Steve) Misty Babcock (Michael), Sabrina Heinrich, Timothy Heinrich (Heather), Valerie Heinrich (Donald), Amanda Sell, Jamie Sell, Glenn Sell and Christopher Sell; great-grandchildren John Garrett, Kylee Lovejolley (Claude), Christian Simmons, Alexis Small, Artesia Sell, Micah Babcock, James Babcock and Avery Sell; step-grandsons Michael Garcia (Chara) and Ryan Dieter (Amanda); step-grandchildren Trinity Garcia, Evan Garcia, Braxton Dieter, Branson Dieter, Bradon Dieter, Brailynn Dieter, Shannon Quast and Damon Blackwell.
Don had a good childhood, growing up on a farm in the Nebraska Panhandle, which he wrote about in his autobiography. He was very proud of his upbringing in rural Nebraska and often talked about the hardships and successes his family experienced. Don served honorably in the National Guard and was well respected by his officers and unit.
Following their marriage, Don and Bernice lived in Sidney until 1960, when they relocated to Kimball, Neb., then, in 1974, they moved to Dinosaur, Colo. They loved this little town and settled in to live out their lives there.
Don worked for various oil companies throughout his life. In 1980, he and Bernice bought and operated Butte Swabbing. He had a very strong work ethic and was well known throughout the oil field.
Don had many interests and hobbies. The most well known and rewarding to him was restoring Model A Fords. Don and Bernice owned a 1929 Model A Coupe, a 1930 Model A Pickup and a 1931 Model A Sedan. Many hours were spent restoring and driving these cars as a family. Don is happy that his son, Donny, will be getting them and passing them along to his son.
Don and Bernice joined the Model A Club and recently received their 40-year pins. He was really proud of that. They also joined the Veteran Motor Car Club out of Grand Junction, Colo., and spent many enjoyable hours touring in the Model A’s with that group.
Don converted one of the upstairs bedrooms into his train room and constructed a Lionel Train track. He built a farm and small town to closely replicate the area where he grew up. He loved to take the kids up and run it for them.
Don and Bernice traveled extensively through out the western and southern United States. One of his favorites was a trip to Nashville, Tenn. He was able to see the old Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry, and meet Miss Minnie Pearl.
Don loved to hunt and fish and went out as often as he could. He also loved to eat his catch, and could probably eat fish for every meal if Bernice had let him.
Don loved visitors. The family would like to thank those who took time out of their day to visit as often as they could. These visits meant a lot to Don and Bernice.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Dinosaur. A viewing was held prior to the services.
Burial was in the Dinosaur Cemetery under the direction of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.
