Donald Arthur Salonis, age 80, passed away at 7:35 p.m. on October 23, 2026.
Donald proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968, including two tours in Vietnam, where he served as a crew chief and door gunner aboard a UH-1 Huey helicopter. His military service remained an important part of his life. He never forgot the prisoners of war or those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in combat while serving their country.
Donald was a talented and resourceful man who could build or repair just about anything. During the 1980s, he worked as a self-employed carpenter, building several custom homes.
Donald also enjoyed working on vehicles. He worked as a master mechanic for Porsche and later owned his own automatic transmission shop.
One of Donald’s greatest talents was making custom knives. A skilled craftsman, he created each knife by hand, carefully shaping the blades and carving intricate designs and animals into deer antler handles. His work was featured on a shop-at-home television channel, where he sold his handmade knives. He also passed some of his creations down to his sons, leaving them with something special to treasure and a lasting reminder of his skill and craftsmanship.
Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting things throughout his life. He had many skills and interests, and he took pride in the things he could create with his own hands.
Donald leaves behind his five sons and their families: Donnie Salonis and his daughters, Samantha Joan Salonis (Timothy Aaron Guymon) and Antonia Monique Salonis-Archuleta, along with his grandchildren, Jaxson Franklin Kidd, Zechariah David Kidd, Oaklee Elizabeth Guymon, Maddox Aaron Guymon, Isaiah Salonis, Isak Archuleta Jr., and Kannan Archuleta; Joe Salonis and his children, Tabitha Ashleigh, Margarette Rachael Anne, Savannah Isabella Grace, and Benjamin Joseph Adrian; Chris Salonis and his daughter, Kaitlyn Marie Kennedy; Jason Salonis (Micah Salonis) and their family, Derek Salonis, Jakob Bolandis, and Andrew Bolandis; and Nick Salonis (Heather Salonis) and their son, Sam Salonis.
A private graveside service for family will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, where Donald will receive military funeral honors in recognition of his service to our country.
Donald will always be remembered, and forever in our hearts. By Kutis south County Chapel