Donald Lee Carlock

Donald “Don” CarlockJanuary 13, 1948 – July 20, 2025

Donald “Don” Carlock was born on January 13, 1948, in the small town of Council, Idaho, to Viola Wheeler and Glen Carlock. He spent his early years in New Meadows before moving to live with his mother, sister Connie, and eventually the man he proudly called Dad, Clint Wheeler. Don grew up in a blended family that included siblings: Connie, Clint, Deborah, and Lovetta, and later in life, his surprise sister Nancy.

He attended school in Boise, Nampa and Kuna, graduating from Kuna High School in 1966. That same year, Don joined the Idaho Air National Guard, where he would go on to serve for an incredible 42 years. He rose through the ranks to become the Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank an enlisted member can achieve, and retired with honor in 2007. He completed numerous deployments and TDYs, and was recognized with many decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Idaho Cross. In 1985, Don was named one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year; an elite distinction awarded to just 12 individuals across the entire U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard annually.

On June 22, 1968, Don married his lifelong partner and soulmate, Darlene Mues, in Cambridge, Nebraska. They built a life and home together in Kuna, Idaho, raising two daughters, Donene and Bonnie. A family rooted in love, laughter, and service.

Don’s impact extended far beyond his military career. He was a devoted community member and a lifelong volunteer. He served as charter president of the Kuna Jaycees, was an active member of the Lions Club, volunteered with the Boise Open for over 25 years, and was involved with Girl Scouts, including serving as a troop leader for his daughters. Many of the girls he mentored during that time looked up to Don not only as a leader, but as a second father figure.

He established the Kuna Youth Baseball and Softball Organization, served as Chairman for over 20 years as well as coaching several of those years. His public service included positions on the Kuna City Council, Kuna Fire Commission, Kuna Planning & Zoning Commission, and as a school PTA president. Don was a past Kuna Post 142 Commander and lifetime member of both the American Legion and VFW. His most recent passions included volunteering for ESGR (Employer Support of Guard & Reserve), Gem Boys State, where he served as President for several years, and American Legion Baseball. Specifically, the Kuna Seminoles and Tribe teams. His service record in the community is vast, far too long to list, and a true reflection of his heart for others.

If Don were here today, he’d be the first to say none of his achievements would have been possible without Darlene’s constant support, assistance and encouragement. 

But Don’s deepest devotion was always to his family. He never missed a graduation, special event, or an opportunity to show up for the people he loved. Whether it was cheering from the sidelines as his great-grandson Kaiden and granddaughter Kaitlyn played soccer; watching Hailey and Kelly take the field for softball; or supporting Patrick and Kyle on the baseball diamond; Grandpa was there, proud and present.

He especially cherished attending plays at Starlight Mountain Theater with Bonnie and her family, and he brought laughter to every Christmas as the family’s beloved “lottery-ticket Santa.”

Just last month, the family gathered for a long-anticipated weekend at Terrace Lakes celebrating mom and dad’s 57th anniversary. It gave Don the chance to golf alongside his grandsons, Kyle and Patrick, something they’d looked forward to for years. He had taught them to play when they were just three years old, and that day was a full-circle moment filled with pouring rain, laughter and pride. Don was especially proud that the boys finally beat him, creating a treasured memory for all of them.

He was the one the family turned to for advice, if something needed fixing, a spare vehicle was needed, or a project was underway. Don had every tool imaginable, and whatever it was, he had just what you needed. We’d all go to him to sign our name on the official “check-out” sheet. He was also the one who reached out when you were sick, recovering from surgery, or needed a dog sitter. 

Don also had a gift for friendship. He had friends everywhere; in town, across town, across the country, including his second home in Sunflower, Arizona, and across generations. He was known for catching up over a cup of coffee, a good story, or a phone call. You could often find him playing a mean round of Hand and Foot with his closest friends or exploring beautiful Idaho on his UTV. People didn’t just like Don, they trusted him, respected him, and felt better after talking with him. 

Don Carlock lived a life of purpose, kindness, and quiet strength. He leaves behind a legacy of service, family, and connection that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Wheeler; dad, Clint Wheeler; father, Glen Carlock; Glen’s wife, Naomi Carlock; sister, Nancy Talbot; brother-in-law, Dennis Mues; and several beloved family members.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; beloved dog, Mya; daughters: Donene Standley (Don) and Bonnie Davis (Vic “Ellie”); grandchildren: Kyle Rognlie (Tarna) and their children: Corbin, Jayden, and Bella; Patrick Rognlie; Hailey Dixon (Andrew) and their children: Kaiden and Teagan; Kaitlyn Gerber (Mathew); Kelly Davis and her dog, Loki. He is also survived by his brother, Clint Wheeler (Debbie); sisters: Deborah Forrey (Harley), Connie Stenquist, and Lovetta Reed (Wayne); along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family. 

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Accent Funeral Home in Meridian, Idaho. A procession will follow to a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Kuna Cemetery.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s honor to Kuna American Legion Post 142.