Donald Richard Natoni

Farmington
Donald R. Natoni
Feb. 10, 1935 - Oct. 21, 2017

Donald Richard Natani, 82, of Farmington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 10, 1935, in Rehoboth, N.M., to John and Asdza Daniels. He was subsequently raised by Grace and Morris Natani of Toadlena.
Donald attended Navajo Methodist Mission, now Navajo Preparatory School, in Farmington before attending the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado and obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Education.
Donald had a career that spanned many decades beginning as a draftsman for the City of Farmington, moving to American Tank and Steel, Shell Oil Company, Chemical Construction Corporation, Arizona Public Service, Raytheon and Hughes Missile Systems. He ended his career as a part-time instructor at San Juan College teaching a class that began his career-drafting-to future technicians and engineers.
Donald had many hobbies. He enjoyed painting, photography and in particular silversmithing. Donald enjoyed the outdoors and watching sports, especially football. The Dallas Cowboys were a particular favorite team of his.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, John and Asdza Daniels; his foster parents, Grace and Morris Natani; foster sister, Antoninette Seumptewa; foster brother, Clifford Natani, and his grandchild, Melissa Dean. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eleanore Natoni; his foster sister, Virginia Sloan-Weaver of Florida; daughter, Donna (Kurt) Chrisman of Farmington; daughter, Roberta (Paul) Dean of Evanston, Wyo.; son, Christian (Alyson) Natoni of Idaho Falls, Idaho; grandchildren, Robert (Angela) Chrisman of Rio Rancho, Leigh (Taylor) Higgins of Albuquerque, Susan Dean and Allysa Dean of Evanston, Wyo., Alexis Elsethagen of Las Vegas, Nev., Sam Elsethagen and Gabriel Elsethagen of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and great-granddaughter, Ava Chrisman of Rio Rancho.
The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Donald during his last few months, especially Guardian Home Health Care, and the Skilled Nursing Facility at Good Samaritan Society in Aztec.
A memorial celebration of life for Donald will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at Ryder Chapel at Navajo Preparatory School, 1220 W. Apache St. in Farmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Donald's name to the Navajo Preparatory School.
Donald's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.