Donald Robert Webb

Donald Robert Webb passed away on Jan. 8, 2016. He died [from heart and kidney failure] at his home in Fountain Hills with his beloved partner, confidant and friend of over 20 years, Paula Janicsek, by his side. Don’s dog Rambo stood close guard over his master, attentively watching anyone entering his room.

Don was born on Jan. 2, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wis. He was the only son of the late Robert Barton and Helen Ida Schroeder Webb.

Don graduated from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee in 1949. During his senior year in high school he enlisted in The United States Marine Corps Reserves (1949-March 1952). After graduation he joined the Marine Corps doing basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California.

Shortly after boot camp, he boarded a troop ship bound for the Korean peninsula, arriving in February 1951. He saw intense action during Operation Killer and Operation Ripper.

In August 1951 he was med-evacuated to a hospital in Japan and treated for combat fatigue and hearing loss. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in March 1952, and remained always loyal to the Corps and his country.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Don attended Milwaukee School of Engineering and thereafter began a 40-year career in Plastics Engineering. He worked for Square D, Hotpoint and General Electric.

After retiring from General Electric in Louisville, Ken., Don stayed in the plastics industry working for Dickten Masch Plastics in Nashotah, Wis., until 1996. In 1997 he and Paula retired to Fountain Hills.

Don was a brave and selfless member of the Worthington Volunteer Fire Department in Louisville from 1970 to 1976.

His hobbies included projects around the home and garage, as well as supporting his children’s school and sporting events.

Don gave each of his five children 12 years of private Catholic education, a financial sacrifice they will always appreciate. He served in Booster Club at Our Mother of Good Counsel from 1972-1975, serving as president during 1975.

In Fountain Hills, Don became an active and valued member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War posts.

Don is survived by his only sibling, Audrey Helen Webb Haack from Oconomowoc, Wis. Don is also survived by his five children, Michael Donald Webb from West Chester, Ohio, Kathleen Ann Webb Wesley from Louisville, Ken., Martha Lynn Webb Heightchew and JR from Louisville, Ken., Curtis Mark Webb from Chicago, Ill. and David Jerome Webb and Olga Axelrod Webb from Moscow, Russia.

Don has 11 grandchildren Ashley Brooke Webb, Eric Michael Webb, Brian Patrick Webb, Adam Curtis Webb, Karen Lucy Webb, Nolan Webb Wesley, Brent David Wesley, Leah Christine Heightchew, Christopher Joseph Heightchew, Aleksandra Natalia Webb, Anna Elizabeth Webb and one great-grandchild, Jayden Curtis Webb.

A private family ceremony and final interment will be held Monday, Jan. 25, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Arizona National Cemetery, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 23, at 12:30 p.m. at American Legion Post #58, 16837 E Parkview Avenue, Fountain Hills.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations in Don’s memory to either of the following: The Marine Corps Toys for Tots, toysfortots.org/donate or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation diabetesfoundation.jdrf.com.

The family expresses sincere gratitude to all who have helped during this difficult time.