Don Trekell

Donald Dorsey “Don” Trekell Sr., 87, a longtime Casa Grande-area farmer and part of a pioneer family in the area, died on Dec. 28, 2010, at Oasis Pavilion Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Casa Grande.
Mr. Trekell was born on April 16, 1923, in Los Angeles. His father, Don A. Trekell, had moved to the Casa Grande Valley in 1917 to work on a family ranch. His mother was Marian M. Dorsey Trekell and his stepmother was Mary Alice “Honey” Trekell. Trekell Road is named for the family. He received a bachelor of science degree from New Mexico Military Institute. He served with the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in the European Theater of World War II. Serving under Gen. George Patton, he participated in the liberation of Normandy and the rescue of U.S. troops at the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Bronze Star and the European Croix de Guerre.
He farmed most of his life and served on the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District board and the New Mexico Military Institute alumni board. He loved laughing and being with his family and enjoyed golf, friends and new jokes. He was proud of his country, Casa Grande and farming. He loved working with everyone in the farming industry from the farm workers and ditch tenders to the cotton ginners and U.S. Farm Service Agency office staff.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Martha; two sons, Don Jr. of Dallas and Frank David of Casa Grande; a daughter, Gretchen Sargeant of La Jolla, Calif.; a sister, Mary Lou Vincent of Seattle; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua P. Trekell.
No service is planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley or Casa Grande Valley Historical Society.
J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel was in charge of arrangements.