Donald Scott

Donald K. Scott, of Corpus Christi, Tx., passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022, after battling Alzheimer’s, and other complications. He died surrounded by his son, daughter, and son in law. He was known to many simply as Don, or Scotty.

Don “Scotty” Scott was born in Travis, Tx., on March 19, 1932, to Rodger Hayes Scott, and Janie Dillenburg. He spent his adult career serving his country in the U.S. military. First, in the Navy for four years, then he spent the next 30 years serving in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant with Diamond, referred to as First Sergeant. Don, or “Scotty” as he was called, also served in Vietnam, where he was a flight engineer onboard the AC-119 Gunship, nicknamed "Shadow", with the 17th Special Operations Squadron, at Nha Trang Air Base, where many other special operations groups where stationed. The AC-119 had four gatlin guns mounted on the side, facing down, as well as a flare gun to illuminate the battlefield below - which is why their squadron patch says "deny him the dark". This gunship could put a bullet, or glowing red tracer (every fifth round) into every square yard of a football field-sized target in only a few seconds.

Interestingly, during a night mission over Vietnam, while Dad was manning the guns on the aircraft, they spotted a campfire on the ground, in a mountainous area. After calling in the location, they received word that the forces on the ground were "not friendlies". The pilot banked the gunship, and Dad opened up with the guns - the side of the mountain erupted in a giant fireball - they had hit an enemy ammo dump. Dad has forever changed the topography of Vietnam. This is one of many entertaining stories Dad told over the years.

Always on the go, Scotty also started his own business in his off-duty hours, while serving in the Air Force, and ran a successful R.V. and mobile home repair business – There really wasn’t anything Scotty couldn’t fix.

Upon retiring from the U.S. Airforce, closing his business, and not being one to just sit around, Don taught appliance repair for several years, for Del Mar College, in Corpus Christi, before finally retiring for good. Don then traveled across the United States in his R.V.. He loved music, dancing, and spending time with family.

You could often hear him whistling or singing a song he heard on the radio, or just turning his own words into a song.

Those who knew him describe him as loving and kind, a person who would give you the shirt off his back (hope you like Hawaiian shirts, because those were his favorite). He had the greatest sense of humor, with a quick wit, and often corny jokes, but he had the greatest laugh, and love of life.

Don lived with Alzheimer’s for the last several years of his life. He battled the disease with the most amazing grace, bravery, strength, and sense of humor. He lived everyday with positivity and determination not to let the disease keep him from enjoying life.

Don Scott was predeceased by his father Rodger Hayes Scott, his mother Janie Dillenburg, and his son Ronald Wayne Scott. He is survived by his sister Peggy Duty, and his son Darin Scott, daughter Debra Scott-Brown, and his 5 grandchildren.