Don Harrison Shreve

Don Harrison Shreve, a resident of Rye, Colorado for over fifty-five years; was born on October 1, 1918, to the union of Guy Losson Shreve and Bessie Lea Groom. Don was raised on the family farm north-west of Cameron, Missouri; attending grade school and graduating from Cameron High School on May 12, 1936. He drove teams of horses from the time he was a small boy through his high school years. His responsibilities were numerous and varied. Through these experiences he developed a sense of commitment to hard work that would remain with him until the day he passed from this life. This sense of commitment to an ideal; led him to enlist in the United States Army on April 12, 1941. During his service in the 591st Army Air Force, Don spent over two years in foreign countries. His main duty as Crew Chief was to maintain the aircraft that flew supplies over the “hump” in India to supply troops engaged in battle further inland. A gifted mechanic, not only did he service the planes while on the ground, he was an in-flight mechanic; adjusting the engines while in flight to obtain the absolute maximum performance from each engine. He would not talk a great deal about his experiences while in the service, and did not share the fact that he was the recipient of several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for service above and beyond. Only in later years would he acknowledge that he had received this honor for flying many hours more than required. Tech Sergeant Don H. Shreve was honorably discharged from the Army on September 12, 1945. Don was married to Eleanor Anne Burrows on August 2, 1944. Anne, his loving wife of over sixty five years, preceded him in death earlier this year. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary, his brothers Paul L. & William, sisters-in-law, Betty & Susan, brother-in-law, Junior Humphrey, his grandson, Adrian Benham, a niece, Janet Shreve, and many friends. He is survived by his sister Laura Humphrey of Kansas City, Missouri; a daughter, Roberta (Jim) Adair, of Rye, Colorado, a son, Paul (Jerri) Shreve, of Pueblo, Colorado, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, fourteen nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and great nephews. He too leaves many friends and acquaintances. Memorial services will be held on Friday, Sept 24, 2010 at 10:30 am in the Rye Home United Methodist Church. Online condolences at DavisMortuary.com.