Obituary of LaVerne J. Donner

LaVerne J. “Dusty” Donner passed away January 30, 2024 in Niagara Hospice House.  Born December 16, 1921 in Pendleton, NY he was the son of Jacob and Zelma (Smoyer) Donner. 

LaVerne entered Aviation Cadet Training in December 1942 and graduated in Victoria, Texas in October of 1943. He flew P 39's at Albrook Field, Panama in 1944. He was assigned 2n^d Air Commando Group Lakeland, Florida. He deployed CBI 1945, flying P51 in 55 combat missions. In 1946 he enrolled at Buffalo University and became production engineer at Bell Aircraft in 1949. He joined NYANG, 136^th Fighter Squadron in 1949. Flew the P 47 Thunderbolt. Was called for the Korean Conflict in 1951. He served for 21 months. Then was called in for the Berlin Crises in October of 1961. Under his command, the 136th again was called to active duty and deployed to Tuy Hoa Air Base Vietnam in June of 1968. He flew F 100 in 260 combat missions. Unit was presented the Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and USAF Outstanding Unit Award for Vietnam service. He served as Commander 107^th T F G Niagara Falls, retiring as Colonel in 1972.  He enjoyed playing euchre, traveling to visit family, summering on Lake Mississagua, Ontario, and farming. 

LaVerne was predeceased by his wives Marilynn (Thompson) Donner (1979) and Marilyn (Sedam) Donner (2001), brother Kenneth Louis Donner, and sons Daniel Donner (1955) and Joel Donner (2023), and step-son Fredric Sedam (2016).

LaVerne is survived by his children Kathleen (David) Ishman, Michael (Kathleen) Donner, Cynthia (David) Skeggs, John Donner, Patricia Donner, and Ann (Timothy) Hertel; step-children Scott Sedam, Annette Warfel, and Lee Anne Keim; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends may call Monday, Feb. 5^th from 4-7 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6^th at 10 AM.  Interment will be in Acacia Park Cemetery.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.