Donald Dean Dory

Donald Dean was born in Casey, IA, February 7, 1930, the only child of Marion E and Edna Nittler Dory. Donald attended elementary and Junior High School in Casey until the family moved to Des Moines in 1944 where he attended Des Moines Technical High School, studying vocational electronics and radio, graduating in 1947. After graduating, Donald attended Iowa State College (now ISU) until August 1948 when he enlisted in the USAF where he was assigned to the Weather Training School at Chanute Air Force Base Illinois. He was later assigned to the Weather Central at Chanute. In January 1952, he was transferred to communications on the basis of Civilian background and appointed NCO in charge of the Military Affiliate Radio Station at Chanute. In August 1952, Donald was released from active duty and immediately enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and applied for employment in the United States Weather Bureau and enrolled in the Physics Department at Drake University. In September 1952, Donald met Nylene Donald at a student youth picnic sponsored by Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church. Eleven months later they were married in Afton, IA with the pastors of Cottage Grove and Afton Presbyterian Church officiating. Donald and Nylene lived in Des Moines while Donald completed his degree at Drake University. In 1955 they moved to Lorimor, IA, where Donald taught at the high school. In 1957 they moved to Council Bluffs, IA where Donald started his career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Nylene was a stay-at-home mother with their first child Craig, born in 1957. In January 1959 they moved back to Des Moines when Donald transferred with Northwestern Bell as a radio transmission engineer. Where he remained for nearly 30 years. In 1963 the Dorys moved to West Des Moines and welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth. After Donalds retirement from Northwestern Bell, he had several part-time jobs, some including substitute teaching, primarily at Valley High School, and taught at DMACC. Donald was employed by the West Des Moines Police Department in their Communications Department. Donald was a member of several organizations including, Westkirk Presbyterian Church, Westgate Adelphic Lodge #509, charter member of the Iowa Scottish Heritage Society. Donalds many hobbies included: repairing clocks, amateur radio, volunteering at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Clive Historical Society where he demonstrated Morse Code. Donald is survived by his children; Craig (Katherine) Dory and Elizabeth (Chris) Mogle; four grandchildren, Tyler and Kaitlin Mogle, and Brandon and Sean Dory. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Nylene and a grandson, Ian Dory. The family would like to thank the staff at Bishop Drumm for their love and care of Donald and to the Westkirk family.