Donald Rodney Ingalls

Aug 1, 1935 -

Oct 27, 2020

Don was born to Donald and Haleen Ingalls in Skagway, Alaska, on Aug. 1, 1935. He lived in Skagway for half of a year and moved to Homer, Alaska, when his dad took a job as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. Don and his family moved to Palmer, Alaska, in 1941, and lived there until high school graduation. He was a very gifted athlete and excelled in all sports. His best sport was basketball, and he was voted as the best player in the state during his senior year.

After graduating high school, Don enlisted into the Army National Guard with several of his friends. After serving, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, and took on a job at Anchorage Hardware for several years. Don joined Lois' business in 1985 until his retirement.

Don and Lois met in 1960, and they married in 1961. They were married for 59 wonderful years, enjoying their many trips to Maui, Hawaii; Bend, Ore.; and Lake Havasu, Ariz. Don enjoyed many happy times with his wife at their cabin in Big Lake, Alaska, as well. Don always invited all his friends to join his barbeques at the cabin, especially during 4th of July weekend, which was his favorite time to throw a big party.

Don loved to play cribbage and taught all his grandchildren to play the game. He always played to win and showed no mercy! He was proud if any of his grandchildren were to beat him because he knew he had taught them well.

He was a member of Pioneers of Alaska, the Anchorage Moose Lodge and Real Alaskans. Don was a very loving and caring man and will be missed by so many. He was a true Alaskan through and through.

Don was preceded in death by his mother and father, Haleen and Donald Ingalls; son, Perry; and his grandparents.

Don is survived by his wife, Lois; brothers, David and Hal; daughters, Tina, Tam and Lisa; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one on the way.

There will be a celebration of Don's life next summer. The family requests, in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to St. Jude's Hospital.