Donald Paul Sewell

Donald Paul Sewell 8-24-1932 6-28-2020
Donald Paul Sewell was born August 24, 1932 to William and Elva Sewell in Mentone, CA in their home on Tourmaline. His courageous Mother raised three children, Donnie, older sister Lucille (survived by) and older brother Bob, after William tragically passed due to pneumonia during the Great Depression at the age of 28.
Donnie has spent his entire life in the Mentone and Redlands area and like many youngsters he started working in the citrus business at a young age and running around down at Mentone Beach. Don graduated in 1950 from Redlands High School where he participated in Drama, Home Economics, and the Redlands Terrier Cheer Squad. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy as he loved the ocean. He was deployed in 1951 where he served during the Korean War on the USS Marshall, which was stationed in Japan, and where he worked in the radar room.
After returning home from the war, he moved to Newport Beach, CA and attended Orange Coast College where he graduated in June of 56 in engineering and business. Donnie soon started his 33 year career with GTE. Donnie met Barbara Ann Hinshaw in Mentone and they were married on November 30, 1956. They had two children, Cynthia Lee Hart and Donald Wesley Sewell. He is survived by his two children Cindy (Bruce Hart) and Donnie (Michel Sewell), and his four grandchildren Brooke Braga, Sheldon Hart, Alaska Sewell, and Wesley Sewell. Bobbie Sewell tragically passed in 1983 at the age of 46.
Don later found love again and remarried Barbara Ann Rouch. Donald is also survived by Barbara and their three daughters Crystal Egelston Stokes, Dawn Egelston Lape (Jim Lape), and Heather Egelston along with 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
His love for Idaho shaped his childrens love of the land as well, where they moved to Sun Valley Idaho. Donnie loved to travel to Idaho, enjoying adventures with his family. The beach was also a joy for Donnie and his family throughout his life with weeklong beach house trips or afternoon trips to the Crab Cooker. Donnie pursued his love for football with being a member of the Redlands Terrier Bench Warmers where he was president in 1966. Donald was a 55 year member of The American Legion and a 62 year member with The Elks Lodge.
Donnies passion for hot rods started at a young age. He has owned and fixed up many throughout his life. His mental acuity kept sharp with working on hot rods into his early 80s. He has made lifelong friendships through this passion and was a longtime member of the Over the Hill Gang Berdoo, along with many other car clubs throughout the years. His love for speed led him to Nascar. He worked with his brother Bob in the Pit Crew at Riverside Raceway and Daytona for Daryl Waltrip and Bobby Allison, along with being a lifelong knowledgeable fan.
Don (Popo) which all his grandkids call him, will always be known for his kind heart, humility, love of people, and a smile that lights up a room. He passed away peacefully in his home with his loved ones after his brave battle with thyroid cancer. Donnie grew his hot rod angel wings and was ready to go home to loved ones... Services will be held when safe so we may all enjoy a celebration of his life, with fast cars of course.