DONLEY, Myron R.
89, of Goleta, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Cottage Hospital with his family at his side. He was born May 21,1924 in Wichita Falls, Texas to James and Myrtle Donley. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grand-father. He had a strong faith in God and was known for his patience, integrity and keen sense of responsibility. He grew up in Wichita Falls, fourth in a family of five siblings. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1941. He joined the U.S. Marine and served four years during World War II.
He then settled in Southern California and learned the dry cleaning business. While working at Boyer’s Cleaners in Eagle Rock, Myron met and fell in love with Lou Ela, and married the”boss’s daughter”. He became partners in the business with his brother-in-law, Ted Boyer. He loved his work and being involved in his community. He was a member of the Lion’s Club, Chamber of Commerce and the local Baptist Church. He volunteered regularly at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. In the late 1970’s he sold the dry cleaning business and purchased a toy store in Encinitas, California. In retirement, he and Lou Ela built a custom log home in Fall brook,California. He enjoyed and maintained a beautiful garden and was an excellent cook. Myron was active at the Presbyterian Church of Fallbrookand volunteered weekly at the local food pantry.His great “love” was golf. He had caddied as a young boy in Wichita Fallsand his love for the game grew through the years.He was accomplished and won many tournaments over the years. He played avidly thought out his life.He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lou Ela, and his 6 children, Gay(Roger) Scott, David (Marci) Donley, Debbie Donley, Laurie (Ken) Carano,Dawn Donley, and Dan (Pam) Donley, his sister, Anna Lou Grove, and a by his pride and joy, 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25 at 12 noon at the Encina Royale Clubhouse, Goleta, with Rev. Jim Grams presiding.To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.wrhsb.com. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.
