Donald Corley, 83 of Scottsdale was born in Wickenburg, Arizona, a 2nd generation Arizonian. He passed away July 12, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Don graduated from Phoenix Tech in 1954, majoring in agriculture. He and his brother Jerry were self-taught on the guitar and formed “Cactus Kids”. They were featured on the first TV station in Phoenix, channel 5, and entertained in many other venues. Don was more of an entertainer than a student. He also played the upright bass with “Traditional Bluegrass” a leading Arizona band as well as playing for square dances, and anywhere else music was needed. During this time, he also worked for the Telephone Company, retiring in 1985 from a management position, with 31 years of service.
Later in life Don was president of Christian Cowboys Association and became an ordained minister, holding services at various livestock events. There was very little that Don couldn’t do. He made musical instruments of all kinds, did leather tooling, was a silversmith, painted in oils, and did carpentry or anything that needed to be done. What a guy!
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lula and Earl; brothers, Bob and Jerry; sister, Pauline Jones; and step-granddaughter Courtney Sierzchula. Survivors include his wife, Ann; daughter, Kayelen Rolfe; son, Kevin; two grandsons, Brandon and Nathan; stepdaughter, Cindy Sierzchula; stepson, Phil Foster (La Juana), and step-grandchildren, Jeremy Kellum, Ashlee Belew, Tyler and Lauren Foster, and great- step-granddaughter, Lennon Belew.
Services directed by Pastor Chris Harper will be held Friday, July 19, 2019 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the Scottsdale Worship Center, 6508 E. Cactus, Scottsdale, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
I’m so sad for your loss, he was a wonderful man and my whole family loved him. Thank you
What a great man. We go back lots of years. He and Bob are playing bass together and singing praises to our Lord. Prayers to the familu.
Don was a wondrrful friend, my husband (Chuck Kieslich) and I met him during the Traditioal Bluegrass days. We lost contact until a year ago and the love was still there. Don, I hope you meet Chuck again in heaven. RIP
My prayers are with you and all of the family. May Christ’s Peace and Comfort be with you.
My prayers are with you and your family. Don was a friend to so many and a favorite classmate at Phoenix Tech, also a wonderful Alumni Committee Member. Along with so many others we will miss Don but knowing he is walking with the Lord is truly comforting. We love you Ann and share your grief.
Sorry to hear about Uncle Don. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Don was such a wonderful man. He had a heart of gold and an attitude to match. We will miss him and his music dearly. Our prayers are with you Ann, together with all of the family and friends who will mourn his presence, while at the same time rejoicing that he is finally home with his beloved Lord and Savior.
Sure loved spending time with you both! He was such a treasure. I will be thinking of you Friday as I am working in the hospital. Sending hugs and love during this time.
We send our love to Ann and the family. Don was one of the kindest man I’ve ever known. He had such a sweet spirit. He gave us one of his paintings, which We will always cherish. Our prayers are with you ❤️
Ann, Don was a very special man in our life a very loving man with mounds of talent I owe my life to Don he never gave up on me we love him and will truly miss him we love you guys more than words can express rest in piece brother
My heart goes out to all of you! Don was a great man of GOD! I still think of him every Easter. Miss the sunrise services he hosted. Praying for Ann and family. R.I.H Don!
Hi Ann, My Condolences to you all. I remember first meeting you all at Bob Richardson’s Deer Valley Ranch at one of your meets. Looking forward to seeing all in Heaven.
Ann and family. I will miss my cousin Don more than you can know. My memories from childhood on are sweet. I am sad for all of us who will miss him but joyful knowing he is in the arms of our Savior. May the comfort of Christ be with you, Ann, and all of us who loved him and treasure him still.
Ann, I’m so happy I got to meet Don and spend some time with you & him. I know you miss him terribly. You & your family are in my heart & prayers.
Don exude the light and love of the Lord Jesus Christ, a living testimony of a life touched and change by the Lord. we will surely miss him. Praying for peace and His sustaining grace for the whole family.
Ann, I am so sorry for your lose, I’ve thought often of the two of you.
Kurt Fairchild
I first met Don at Phx Tech, but didn’t run into him again until years later at the Arizona Bluegrass Club, when my late husband joined. Don was a really great guy and a faithful Christian. Sorry to lose him.