Donald Forest Phelps

            Donald Forest Phelps left us to be at peace in Heaven on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Caldwell, ID. He was born March 8, 1936, in Wheatland, Wyoming to Forest and Nell. Don had 4 brothers: Robert, Carl, Henry, and Neil and 2 sisters, Irene and Nora Nell. 

            Donald enlisted in the Navy on July 26, 1954. While in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Mercedes, in Argentia, Newfoundland. They were married on June 6, 1959. They were blessed with 4 daughters, Donna, Patricia, Colleen, and Karen. Don was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 31, 1962. 

            Don had several jobs, including working on the oil rigs in Alaska and in a country western store in Wyoming. He attended college at Boise State and obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications. At the age of 49, on December 2, 1985, Don enlisted in the Army National Guard and served until May 5, 1997.  At the age of 49, Don joined the Canyon County Sheriff's Department and he worked there until he retired at the age of 67.

            Donald was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and one on the way. He loved spending time with his family, camping and fishing. Don donated a huge amount of his time to the Catholic church. He was part of the Knights of Columbus. If Don wasn't spending time with his family, you would catch him watching Notre Dame games, or completing his daily crossword in the newspaper. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed. 

            Donald is survived by his brothers, Carl and Neil; daughters, Donna, Patricia, (Mike) Colleen, and Karen; Many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, brothers; Robert, and Henry and his wife of 61 years, Mercedes; his grandson, Rory; and Sons- in-law, Brad and Gary. 

            Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6 PM Thursday, Oct 5, 2023, at the Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 PM Friday, Oct 6, 2023, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nampa. Burial will follow in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Nampa.

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