Donald E. Mullikin

Jun 30, 2021

Donald E. Mullikin passed on June 30, 2021, near sunset, in Homer, Alaska.

Born in Springfield, Mo., Don grew up loving to hunt and fish in the Ozark Mountains. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Judy, in 1968. In 1970, they traveled to Alaska to see the state, over the years living in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River and Homer. When later asked by family and friends in Missouri when he planned to return, the reply was "I'm not done looking." He was mischievous and loved practical jokes. The care he received the last 12 hours of his life at South Peninsula Hospital was excellent, despite their lack of whoopee cushions.

Don, a professional land surveyor, conducted large and small scale land surveys for 44 years all over Alaska with innovative methods, but his passion was placer gold mining, which he was engaged in up to the last day of his life. He marveled at all labor saving mechanical devices and believed miracle glue and duct tape could fix most anything.

Generous to a fault, Don believed hard work should be rewarded. He had an inquisitive mind, a zest for adventure, a fun-loving sense of humor, an honest commitment to dealing straight with others, a respect for family, the ability to figure creative solutions to complex issues and a generosity that was heart based. He disliked administrative regulations. He rejoiced in helping others have fun. Don used his body well, but we release it now so his spirit may return to God in love. We are so thankful for the time we had with Don. We miss him, but his was a great life!

Don is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Christopher (Ola); grandchildren, Hayden and Sierra; sister, Dottie Kay (Ed Wollen); brother, Tim (Mary Donlon, niece Madeline); and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Norma Jeanne; and father, Edward.

There will be no formal memorial service. A celebration-of-life taco party will be announced in a few weeks; contact Tim Mullikin, 907-841-3371. His ashes will be interred at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery in a private graveside service conducted by the Reverend Judith Lethin, St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, for family only.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Hospice of Homer, 265 E. Pioneer Ave., Suite 3, Homer, AK 99603; 907-235-6899.