Donald “Don” Francis Soule passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 94 years of age, surrounded by family.
Don was born on April 19,1927, at home in Phoenix, AZ. the son of Beatrice Alice (Davenport) and George Francis Soule. Don had an older brother, Robert Marion Soule. Don attended Osborn Elementary School and graduated from Phoenix North High School in 1945. Don served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, as part of the Radio Electronics Program. Following the war he attended Phoenix College and later Arizona State University. On October 20, 1951, Don married Donna Lee (Dingey) Abbott in Phoenix, AZ. They raised two sons, Dan Thomas Soule and Doug Allen Soule.
Don was the fortieth employee and had a long career with Motorola Research. He worked on multiple government projects including, a military communication system called “Radio Central” and special projects for several three letter agencies to develop communication devices used strategically during the Cold War.
Don was an active ham radio operator throughout his life and in August of 2021, was awarded the DX Century Club by the Amateur Radio Relay League for two-way communications with over 450 other ham operators in over 100 countries. Along with his lifelong friend Andy Anderson, Don delighted in adding laughter to the annual tournament of his golfing group original poems and unusual trophies, highlighting the golfing gaffes of the members. Don had a smooth and mellow tenor voice. He sang many solos and participated in numerous musical events. He sang with his church choir into his nineties.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Donna Lee (Dingey) Abbott Soule, who passed away in 2008. He is survived by his two sons Dan Thomas Soule, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Doug Allen Soule, of Farmington, New Mexico, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Pat Tillman Foundation. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Joy Autore
I am so sorry for your loss Doug. Thank you for sharing your dad with me. I think of all the fun times growing up in the neighborhood. May Don Rest in Paradise now.
Michael Mankenberg
I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I think fondly of Don, and am glad I was able to help him in some ways. Cutting Don’s hair was a blast. RIP Don.
Lisa m Moratz
He was such a big part of your lives and I am sure he will leave a loving space inside each of you.
best, Lisa,
Jeff Tenney
Don was kind and always fun to be around. He had great stories, and he would start singing some song from memory if it was relevant to the story. And even if it wasn’t relevant to the story. He was a great mentor at work even into his 80s. Just an incredible man.
Della Killeen
Don was a legend. WWII Vet, Cold War radio designer, wildlife tagging designer, lunar landing module designer and outdoors man. I will never have another neighbor like Don. Only person I know who could grow hydrangeas in Phoenix. Glad to have known someone who had a hand on history. RIP Don.
Raney Young
Doug, Dan and family,
So sorry for the passing of Don, what great memories I have of growing up across the street from all of you, your dad was truly one of the kindest men I have ever met and I will cherish those memories forever. Sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate his life with you and share some of those moments, always a wonderful smile on his face and made me always feel he was genuinely happy to see me. Raney Young
Dorris Soule James
Uncle Don was extraordinary. He lived his life with enthusiasm and discipline. He had a strong moral compass which drove him to make good decisions and benefit the lives of others. He finely tuned his understanding of electronics and engineering to benefit our nation. He was a true American Patriot. Uncle Don had an infectious grin and a talent for spreading joy. It was a delight just being in his presence. His was a life well lived.
Telonics Inc.
We have great memories of our dear friend Don and we enjoyed our many years of working with him at Motorola and Telonics. He will be greatly missed.
From Dave Beaty and all of his friends at Telonics.