Donald Ray Negro

Donald Ray Negro

June 19, 1938 – Feb. 1, 2023

Donald “Don” Ray Negro passed away on Feb. 1, 2023, in Round Rock, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. 

Don was born on June 19, 1938, in Lovell to Charles C. and Ardella Robison Negro. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he held various positions and enjoyed scripture study. 

Growing up in Lovell, Don graduated from Lovell High School in 1956 as the class valedictorian. After graduation, he enlisted in the National Guard and also attended Brigham Young University. 

He served a three-year mission for the LDS Church to the Navajo Nation. He fondly remembered this time in his life and often told his family stories from the mission field. He even taught the grandchildren some Navajo phrases. 

After his mission, Donald returned to Lovell and began working at the 1st National Bank of Lovell. He worked as a banker his entire professional career. During his career, he served on the board of directors at 1st National Bank and as president of the Banking Administration Institute. He later moved to and retired from 1st National Bank of Powell – Lovell Branch. 

Don married and was sealed for all time and eternity to Claudia Robertson on Sept. 6, 1966, in the Salt Lake City Temple. They had two children, Michael Don and Michelle Raye. 

He was active in the community, having served as town clerk and umpired Little League baseball games.

Don loved to travel. The love of travel was sparked from trips with his parents and siblings to Seattle when he was young. In 1964, he and his best friend took his brand new Mustang to the World’s Fair in New York. He often reminisced about two specific cars he had owned, a ‘57 Chevy and the special ordered 1964½ Mustang. 

He enjoyed sharing his passions for sports and car culture with his grandchildren. After his wife passed away, Don spent time with Michelle and Mike and their families. He eventually settled in Texas with Mike’s family. He quickly became integrated in their lives and became known as Grandpa to all.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Claudia, parents Charles and Ardella Negro, father-in-law Claude Robertson and sister Carol Peterson-Spitler.

He is survived by his children Mike (Sandra) Negro of Round Rock and Michelle (Ryan) Wraught of Maupin, Oregon; grandchildren Don and Matt Negro, Logan and Brandon Wraught and Jenna (Tyler) Skousen; brother Bob (Carol) Negro; twin sister Donna Sessions; mother-in-law Millie Robertson; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.   

Don was a very kind man and made an impact on all those who met him. He will be missed.

Viewing/visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Lovell Stake Center. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. following the visitation. Interment will be in the Lovell Cemetery.

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