Donald Countryman

Donald Countryman, 80, of Surprise, Arizona, formerly of Creston, died Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Banner Del Webb Hospital in Surprise, Arizona.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Earlham. The family requests memorials to be directed to the family at 16188 N. 158th Ave., Surprise, AZ 85374.

Donald Paul Countryman, son of Roy Alfred Countryman and Deva Jane (Duffield) Countryman, was born Aug. 10, 1938, in Des Moines. Donald graduated from Oak Park Academy in 1957.

On April 17, 1960, Donald was united in marriage to Karen Edwards in Des Moines, and later divorced.

On Dec. 19, 1975, Donald united in marriage with Harla Jean Stephens in Elk Point, South Dakota. Though they divorced many years later, he considered her the love of his life and they spent his final years together. Donald had many occupations during his life including working at Mercy Hospital, Iowa Falls Police Officer, Anderson Erickson routeman, Easterseals and past president of Pony Express and BP Amoco head pipeliner. Donald retired from BP Amoco in 1997.

Donald was a member of Seventh Day Adventist Church in Des Moines.

Donald was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors, his dogs, Kyoko and Maggie, and his family. He was known for his story and joke telling.

Donald is survived by the love of his life, Harla Jean Countryman of Surprise, Arizona; children, Monte (Judy) Countryman of Menomonie Wisconsin, Randy (Connie) Countryman of Bagley, Kenneth Countryman of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Christine (Mark) Means of Surprise Arizona, and Keith (Michelle) Countryman of Sartell, Minnesota; grandchildren, Catherine (fiancé Ryan Baldwin) Countryman of Surprise Arizona, Alex (Courtney) Rose of Tehachapi, California, Dylan (Sierra) Countryman of Hastings, Nebraska, McKenna Countryman of Lincoln, Nebraska, Gabrielle Marxen of Surprise, Arizona, and Caleb Countryman of Sartell, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Grayci-Jean Tucker of Surprise, Arizona, Asher Phoenix Buckner of Tehachapi, California, and Silas Griffin James Rose of Tehachapi, California; brother Calvin Countryman of  Lincoln, Nebraska; sister Mary Del Beane of Des Moines; sisters-in-law, Sheryl Craft of Creston and Muriel Johnson (Lloyd) of Mount Ayr; brother-in-law Wendell Craft of Harrison, Arkansas; special niece Judi Fontana (Dominic) of Everton, Arkansas; many more nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; son Junior in 1965; brothers-in-law, Lee Beane, and Ross Craft; and sisters-in-law, Carol Craft and Patti Countryman.