Donald John Laux

Donald John Laux passed away on February 3, 2018 in Visalia, California after a short illness. He was 89.

He was born on June 6, 1928 in Santa Ana, California to Earl and Elsie Laux. He was joined by a sister, Virginia, in 1934. Beginning at a young age, he helped his father on the family sweet potato and citrus ranch on Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove, California.

Don went to local schools in Garden Grove, including Garden Grove High School. It was there that Don met the love of his life, Merldene Donley. The two were married on January 12, 1951. Shortly after the wedding, Don was inducted into the United States Army at Ford Ord. After his father’s untimely death in August of 1951, Don was honorably discharged to come home and help his mother with the family ranch.

Between running the family ranch and carrying hod, Don and Mert saved enough money to buy their first ranch in the Porterville area with their partner Earl Roper. With their two young daughters, Colette and Leslie, the family made the move to Porterville in 1956. As the family grew with the addition of sons Dennis and Gary, Don continued to build his family farming business.

Don was a leader within the citrus industry and never met a stranger. He sat on the Sunkist Board of Directors from 19692000, he helped organize California Citrus Mutual in 1977 with a group of other like-minded growers, and he sat on the Teapot Dome Water District Board for 33 years. He was equally active in community and political events and was part of the original sales committee for the Porterville Fair.

Later in life, Don left the farming business in the capable hands of his children and discovered a love of travel. Don and Mert were blessed to take many exciting trips within the United States and abroad. The only continent that they didn’t visit was Antarctica.

Don is survived by his children Colette (Steve) Leider of Santa Barbara, Leslie (George) Kilbride, Dennis (Caroline) Laux, and Gary (Debra) Laux, all of Porterville; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his sister Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 66 years, Merldene, who passed away on October 27, 2017.

A Celebration of Life for Don and Merldene with be held on Friday, February 16, 2018, at 12:00 pm, at Nuckols Ranch, 13144 Rd 216, Porterville, California. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Porterville Historical Society or Valley Children’s Hospital.