Donald L. Brothers

Palmer resident Donald L. Brothers, 68, died Jan. 31, 2011, at his home.

Don was born Sept. 18, 1942, in Dayton, Penn., the son of Clair and Jessie Elizabeth (Neville) Brothers. He attended school in Punxsutawney, graduating with the Punxsutawney High School class of 1960.

In June 1960, Don began his career serving the country in the U.S. Air Force. On Jan. 26, 1962, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Wilson in Wichita Falls, Texas. In his 21-year career in the Air Force, the family lived in New Mexico, California, Mississippi, Minnesota, Japan and Alaska. Don also served in Turkey and Thailand.

Following his September 1981 retirement from the Air Force, Don worked for MCI in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Phoenix, Ariz. He retired from MCI in 1998 and the family moved to Capitan, N.M., where Don served as commander of the American Legion. In August 2008, Don and Mary moved to Alaska, where Don enjoyed woodworking, photography, fishing and bowling.

In addition to Mary, his wife of 49 years, Don is survived by three children, Donald Scott Brothers of Palmer, Tamara Ann Brothers of Palmer and Robert William Brothers of Wasilla; his brother, William Raymond Brothers and his wife Maxine of Alexandria, Va.; and his pride and joy, his nine grandchildren: Senior Airman Kevin M. Brothers, who is stationed in Balad, Iraq, where he serves his country in the U.S. Air Force, Kyle Andrew Brothers, Warren Chadwick McNeil, Connor Justin McNeil, River Dawn Brothers, Jordyn Elisabeth McNeil, Willow Rose Brothers, Cloud William Brothers and Sirius Ash Alexander Brothers.

His parents, Clair and Jessie, and one brother, Warren Clair, preceded Don in death.

Full military honors will be conferred upon Don in a graveside service today, Feb. 4, at 2:30 p.m. at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Friends are asked to meet at the front gate of Fort Richardson prior to 2 p.m. for the military escort.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made either to Mat-Su Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Valley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.