Donald Milton Case

Donald Milton “Don” Case, 81, of Vail, Arizona

 March 7, 1944 – August 16, 2025

Donald Milton Case, known to friends and family as “Don or Donny,” passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, in Vail, Arizona, at the age of 81. A beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, and cherished friend, Don’s presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Born March 7, 1944, in Gallup, New Mexico, Don spent his formative years in Albuquerque, graduating from Valley High School in 1962. He was energetic and athletic in his youth. He played basketball and excelled in football and track, propelling him to college athletic scholarships—first in football at Tulsa University, then track at Abilene Christian College, where his Olympic hopes were dashed by a torn quadricep. Don still holds his high school state track meet record running the 100-yard dash in 9.1 seconds.  Don redirected his life, later earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from New Mexico State University, a Master of Public Administration from Northern Arizona University, and his Ph.D. in Practical Arts and Vocational Technical Education from the University of Missouri.

Don’s patriotic spirit ran deep. He joined the Coast Guard in 1966; he separated due to vision issues. Unwilling to let adversity deter him, Don later joined the United States Army Reserves in 1979, and the following year, the Arizona Army National Guard. He went on to proudly serve in both the New Mexico and Missouri National Guards.   His military decades of service included peacekeeping missions in Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina with Operation Enduring Freedom, HHC 35th DISCOM, and missions in Panama, and Annette Island, Alaska. Chief Warrant Officer (W4) CASE, Retired, United States Army (2004), with 25 years of total service.

Civically, Don worked 27 years with the U.S. Forest Service as an Administrator of Natural Resources and Community Development Programs, making a significant impact on the Apache-Sitgreaves, Winema, Kaibab, Coronado, and Carson National Forests. He played a vital liaison role with the Historic Black College and University Programs at Lincoln University, committed to education, opportunity, and stewardship of the land.

Don met the love of his life, Second Lieutenant Vasquez, at Navajo Army Depot in Bellemont, Arizona. They married on April 27, 1985, in Tucson, and together built a strong, loving home. Donald is survived by his wife Christina of 40 years, son Kerry (Joleen), grandson Jonah, brother Ronnie (Jeanne), nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters, and brothers-in-law.

A man of abiding Christian faith, Don found joy and purpose as a member of the Old Spanish Trail Church of Christ in Tucson. He was a valued Christian brother and faithful friend.  His work ethic, kindness, generosity, and patriotism were certainly defining traits. He was an avid reader, in his younger years he enjoyed the rodeo scene as a bull rider, he was a multi-talented artist, musician, and craftsman, gifted in bronze sculpting, playing guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, with a love for bluegrass, country, Christian, and classic rock. Various families and friends own Don’s handmade wooden gifts. Ever the athlete and enthusiast, he enjoyed long runs, fast cars (especially Fords), and was a proud fan of the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. Upon retirement to Arizona, he volunteered as a Docent at the 390th Memorial Museum at the Pima Air Museum.

Don was a family-centered and a steadfast friend, filled with integrity and generosity. Don’s life was a testament to faith, service, loyalty, and commitment. He will always be missed and remembered.

A viewing and celebration of life memorial service for Don are scheduled for September 16, 2025 at the Old Spanish Trail Church of Christ, 11795 Old Spanish Trail, beginning at 8:00-9:45 am.  Military honors for CW4 Case at the Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Marana at noon, 15950 N Luckett Rd, Marana, AZ.