Donald “Don” Escalanti

October 28, 1930 - January 16, 2021

Proud Army Veteran of the Korean War, Donald “Don” Escalanti, 90, passed away on January 16, 2021 in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by family. Donald was born on October 28, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA. to Amelia Escalanti Caster (Quechan) from the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation and Donald Lomauhie.

In April of 1951, Donald entered the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska and volunteered for Far east duty in Korea. It was in Korea that he was injured. Donald was awarded the: Purple Heart, Korean Svc Medal W/1 Bz Svc Star UN Svc Medal- 1 O/S Bar Combat Inf Badge. Service patches include: Star Division, Polar Bear Sleep Patch, 45th division patch.

Long-time sweethearts Donald Escalanti and Mercedes White were married on April 27, 1956 and had four children, Adrianna Debra, Sterling, Ingrid and Malcolm.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Adrianna Debra Yellowjohn and Ingrid Escalanti Rope; nine grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren and 1 greatgreat grandson.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mercedes; and sons Sterling Donald Escalanti and Malcolm Everette Escalanti.

Great Granddaughter Briana Amelia Naylor, Great Grandson Donald Vincent Bandin

Parents: Amelia Escalanti Caster, Donald Lomauhie Sister: Sandra Lewis Brother: Milton Lewis. Service to be held on January 30, 2021, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Yuma Mortuary, 775 S. Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364. Tribal Rites will be on January 31, 2021, 3:00 am to 5:00 am at the Quechan Big House, 1877 Picacho Road, Winterhaven, CA 92283. Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun