Longtime educator Don Warkentin: A life to celebrate

Don honorably served in the United States Army.  Don was a lieutenant in the Army during the Vietnam War, and as a platoon leader with the 25th Infantry he was on the ‘front lines.’ He earned two Purple Hearts and was honorably discharged as a Captain.

After his service in the Army, Don and Betty were married and moved to Lemoore where he started teaching biology at Lemoore High School. During his tenure at LHS, Don was a coach, athletic director and administrator. Past students and players would often stop Don around town and reminisce about the good times.

In 1986 Don moved to West Hills College. He was a key player in building West Hills College Lemoore to the outstanding institution it is today. He loved supporting the students and the staff and attending all the sporting events. His family often joked that Don’s loves were (in this order): God, West Hills College Lemoore, and Family.

Don was a faithful man who loved the Lord with all his heart. He attended South Valley Community Church. He believed in giving back and serving his community.

Don’s wife Betty, his daughter Brooke and son Steven, will forever miss their father. The family asks that all remembrances be sent to the West Hills College Foundation: Don Warkentin Scholarship. This scholarship will continue his legacy with his beloved Golden Eagles.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 5 from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. at South Valley Community Church. A Graveside Services with military honors will be Saturday, February 6 at 10 a.m. at Lemoore Cemetery A celebration of life will commence after the graveside service at the Golden Eagle Arena at West Hills College Lemoore at 12 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore.