Donald E. Oxenford
As the former Director Of Special Education, for Keystone AEA 1, I had the distinct pleasure and privledge of knowing and working with Don. He was a consummate Special Educator, who was extremely well respected in the Iowa AEA Special Education system. His diligent professional efforts assisted many Iowa Exceptional Children to achieve their maximum potential. Don had a wonderul sense of humor, which brought a warmth to any meeting. He was a strong voice of reason, and integrity to any personal and professional discussion. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew and respected him. I realize that words are of little comfort at such times, However, I do wish his family to know that my thoughts and sympathies are with each of you. Respectfully, Eugene Pratt, Director Division of Special Education Keystone AEA, Retired
Eugene Pratt
Manchester
IA
We were so sorry to read about Don's death in this morning's Gazette. We are also sorry that we will be unable to attend the memorial service on Tuesday. We are leaving for Salt Lake City today. You are in our thoughts. Don was a really special person. He had a heart of gold and a very winning personality. His ability to relate so well with people allowed him to help so many kids. He will live on in people's memories. Sending our best to you. Kathy and Dave Good
Kathy and Dave Good
Cedar Rapids
I was a youngster in Merrill when Don owned the grocery store. He was a wonderful man, always kind and cheerful toward the kids. His work with the handicapped in Special Ed classes will always be remembered in NW Iowa, I am sure. I didn't know what barbershop music was until Don brought his quartet to his store one night for a concert. I will never forget that.
Dennis Mertes
Kansas City
MO
Dear Cindy and Family, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort with your millions of memories. Love to all, xxooksc
Kari Cerato
Johns Island
SC
I often remember the Merrill Suday School trip that we took to the Black Hills and Colorado and all the cars that we washed that summer. We had so much fun and learned so much with Don as our teacher. I will also remember the times that I baby sat with the kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat Hurd Robberson
Baytown
TX
We are so very sorry to hear of Don's death. An amazing, caring, and loving man, Don was always one to include you in his family. In fact, when our family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1992, he immediately accepted us, and our girls, Melissa and Kimberly, called he and Elaine "Grandma and Grandpa." Don and Elaine always opened their beautiful home to so many. Don's contribution to education, was without a doubt, one of excellence and integrity. He cared deeply about every aspect of life and it showed in his contributions to society. Although we have not been able to see Don and Elaine as often as we would like, they have always remained in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Don. We are thankful for the impact he has made on our lives and the lives of others. Ken and Mona Walker, Melissa and Kimberly
Ken and Mona Walker
Elgin
IL
We were deeply saddened to read of the loss of such a loved one. We extend our deepest sympathies to your fine family.
Bill & Judy Carmichael
Cedar Rapids
IA
Elaine, Jade and I are so very sorry to hear about Don's passing. I heard about it Saturday night while at friend's home for dinner, and it really stopped me in my tracks. Reading Don's obituary Sunday morning brought tears to my eyes. Don was one of my very favorite St. Paul's friends. His smile, his wit, and his friendliness were so special. I will miss him. Please accept all our best thoughts and prayers, Elaine.
Brad Hart
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dohn & Judy can not be there to share in the memorial & visitation on Tuesday evening. We are so sad to know that we will never again see that wonderful smile and share that wonderful attitude that Don always shared with us. We were so privileged to be his neighbor, to share in his memories , to share his family, to hear his grand singing voice, and mostly to know that he was our friend. Please know that if there is ever anything we can do for you, Elaine, do not hesitate to call. Our thoughts go to all of your family and we hope that Tuesday and the days that follow will move along smoothly for everyone.
Dohn & Judy Armon
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Elaine: I remember how much fun Don and I had together, when he would give me strawberries dipped in sugar as an after-school snack. I remember that we hid in the hot tub during the tornado warning in 1997 after we went to see Hercules and swim together.
Brytta Fitzgibbons
Cedar Rapids
IA
Elaine, I'm so sorry for your lost. I remember the years we sang in the choir at St. Pauls, as some of the best years of my life. You could always see the joy in Don as he sang. God be with you
Susan Primrose
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Elaine, I'm so sorry for your lost. I remember the years we sang in the choir at St. Pauls, as some of the best years of my life. You could always see the joy in Don as he sang. God be with you
Susan Primrose
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dean and I are sorry to hear of Don's passing. We always liked hearing the two of you singing together. You both looked like you enjoyed it. Our girls will remember him as their Sunday school leader.Our Prayers and thoughts are with you
Dean&Jackie Hurd
Hinton
IA
Dear Elaine and Family, My sincerest sympathy on you loss. Don always had such a warm smile, and will be missed by so many. I know the Lord is with all of you, as Don is with him. Linda Hadley
Linda Hadley
My sympathy certainly goes to you Elaine! Don was such a nice man and I know you were proud to be his wife as he was pround of you, also. I hope to see you soon. I wont drive tonight as try not to drive at night alone unless I get into a situation and have to but my thoughts are certainly with you and your family. Onalee
Onalee Arnold
Marion
IA
Elaine, We were so sorry to hear about Don. I have fond music memories of both of you. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Frank & Margaret Marienau
Merrill
IA
Elaine, I am so sorry to hear about Don. As you know, he hired many of us still here at Grant Wood. He was the best boss I ever had! He even came to Iowa City when I received an award from the University when I was a graduate student in Special Ed. I always enjoyed running into him when he was working part time back at the agency. I'm sorry I missed the service. I heard it was just beautiful and the music was fantastic. Sincerely, Jan Scharnberg
Jan Scharnberg
Mt Vernon,
IA
Joel and Val and everyone, Very sorry to hear about your Dad. It's hard to lose the ones you love. Keep his memory in your heart. Peace, Linda
Linda Regan
Ely
IA
Elaine, I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband, Don. He sounds like he was a very special man, I wish I'd had the opportunity to meet him. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with you and your family. Melanie Frisk--Living Center East
Melanie Frisk
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Elaine, I was saddened to read Don's obituary in the Sioux City Journal. It had been such fun to see you two at our 55th Morningside reunion, and I was looking forward to seeing you both again at our 60th. I'm sorry it's not to be. Don was a superior human being and I know you will miss him so much but have wonderful memories of your life together to cherish. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Most sincerely, Reba Anderson Johnson
Reba Anderson Johnson
Sioux City
IA 51106
Dear Elaine Don was my scoutmaster in Merrill and a wonderful mentor. I remember building a rope bridge in our your yard and Don had the nerve to walk across it! My last visit with you was at Ray's funeral and his smile was just as I had remembered. My wife died about five months after that so I know the heartache that you are experiencing. Lean on your family and friends for they will make your days brighter. Most of all, keep your faith strong and it will carry you day by day. Jim