Donald Gene Mauck "The Mountains are calling and I must go"
Donald Gene Mauck, from Strathmore, passed away on October 8th , 2021 in Visalia, Ca. He was 80 years old. Don was born in Broken Bow Oklahoma on January 27, 1941 to William and Callie Mauck. He was one of eight children. Don and his family moved from Oklahoma to Glenville, California in 1946.
Don attended Strathmore High School and graduated with the class of 1960 where he was active in sports with football being his favorite. Don married Genetta Jones on December 29th, 1962 in Lindsay. He passed away just 2 months short of celebrating their 59th anniversary.
During the 1970's, Don owned and operated Don's Shell Service Station in Strathmore. Many would come to Don's not just for fuel but because of Don's mechanic ability and fair dealing. While running the station, Don would build and sponsor cars as well as run the pit crews for several race teams at Rocky Hill Speedway.
Don learned the meaning of hard work from his parents and older siblings. He held many jobs over his lifetime. Don's ability to work with his hands and fix anything he touched ranged from cars, household appliances, and big work machinery. He worked at Champion Homes, Lindmore Irrigation, Wilsey Foods, to name a few before retiring from (C.C.P.I.) California Citrus Producers, Incorporated in Lindsay in 2003.
Don was an active member of the Stratmore, Lindsay and Porterville communities. Over the years, he was a Volunteer Fireman and Little League Coach in Strathmore. He bowled for many years in weekly men's bowling leagues in Porterville where he also served as an officer on the Men's Bowling Association Board of Directors. He participated in weekly horseshoe tournaments in Lindsay. Don was also a member of the E. Clampus Vitus (Clampers).
Don had many loves and hobbies. He was known for raising a great garden (most years), and was known for his delicious Okra, Red Onions, Blackeyed Peas, Tomatoes, and his homemade Cured Olives.
Don loved watching local youth sports. For years you could find him on Friday nights watching High School football at Spartan Stadium. He especially loved watching his grandkids, whether it be wrestling, football, baseball, basketball, water polo, or swimming, Don was there.
He also enjoyed watching professional sports, NASCAR and NFL Football being his favorites. Don was known for his love of Bill Elliot and the San Francisco 49ers.
Don loved the outdoors the most, especially the mountains! He loved camping, sleeping out under the stars, deer hunting, and fishing. Early Spring through late Fall, you could find him in his 1972 Ford Bronco with his windows down taking in the fresh mountain air driving the roads of our local mountains. Don cherished his time in the mountains either chasing that elusive big buck across Jordan Peak, or casting a lure toward that big Rainbow or German Brown Trout, it didn't matter to him, as long as he was in the hills, he was happiest there!
Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Genetta Mauck of Strathmore, and his beloved dog Marley. Son, Earl Mauck of Porterville, Granddaughter, Sarah Mauck (Jacob) of Porterville, 1 Great Grandson, Westley Donaldson. Grandson, Jared (Jessica) Mauck of Crestline, Ca. Daughter, Brenda Whitten (Randy) of Porterville. Granddaughter, Aftin Whitten, of Los Angeles, Grandson, Andrew Whitten, of Azusa, and Granddaughter Allie Whitten, of San Luis Obispo.
Don is also survived by his 2 sisters, Lavada Woody and Frances Loyd both of Lindsay and 2 brothers, Elvie Mauck of Independence Missouri and Marcie Mauck (Susan) of Porterville.
He was preceded in death by his parents William and Callie Mauck and 2 brothers Billy and Cecil Mauck and 1 sister Lois Jackson. All family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, November 20th, 2021 at the Strathmore Veteran's Memorial Building starting at 11 :00 a.m. Lunch will be catered and served at 12:00 p.m. with a Memorial Toast at 1:15pm. Interment will be private