Elvin T. Donald

Elvin Thurlo Donald affectionately known as "Sonny" was born on August 29, 1941, in Kansas City, Kansas.

He was the son of Elvia Donald and Bertha Lee Mills- Donald. It was unconfirmed to us, yet noteworthy to mention his half-sister who preceded him in death some time in her adult life.

Elvin attended Sumner High School in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated in 1960. At Sumner High School Elvin was a letterman jacket recipient for his outstanding season on the track team. While attending high school, "Sonny" met Karren Cope aka "Peaches" and the two became high school sweethearts to this day. On January 12, 1961, 'Peaches" special and now momentous day, her birthday doubled as her wedding anniversary date, when the Karren and Elvin's union was official after dating for three years. The marriage produced two daughters, Pamela Y. Donald, shortly after her birth - seven years later - her little sister Lisa M. Donald was born. While in a young marriage, Elvin farthered and pursued higher education and goals, first attending junior college and additional enrollment in courses at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas. Shortly after his studies began, the ambitious youngster made aggressive moves, also, in neighboring state Missouri, taking up employment at then Ford Motor Company and General Motors. Not settling for that process, he sought more opportunities in New Orleans Louisiana, beginning a career with the United States Federal Government.

In 1970, Elvin and Karren agreed upon a major move and departed for New Orleans Louisiana. While both were now working in the U.S. Federal Government, their migration garnered a love for Louisiana's cuisine and lifestyle, but opted for another move just two years later, relocating to their now settled home for 50 years Denver, Colorado.

Elvin continued to advance his career, gaining momentum as an Investigator for the Office of Labor Management Standards and the U.S. Department of Labor. At that time, he was an investigator/auditor for the government, investigating the teamsters' unions which lead him to travel to many cities throughout Colorado, returning occasionally to Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming and serving as the Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor. As an investigator, Elvin was the recipient of several outstanding achievement awards, "progress never stops," not to mention, Elvin had done a lot during his lifetime for a young Black man in his era.

While focusing on his family, career and dreams, Colorado had opened Elvin's affinity for the outdoors, which saw him picking up hunting (elk in particular), fly fishing, and a bit of camping. Let's hear about this camping a little. Elvin bought a camper, Yes, "Sonny became "the road trip dad in a camper" – just imagine for a moment "Pam reading her books as she loved doing and little Lisa D – asking are we there yet. Well, whenever they finally got to the camping grounds, notably, at the "YMCA" Camps and facilities, who would have thought a young man from the inner city would grow into an avid fisherman, lover of the outdoors, home provider has come to creating experiences for his wife and children to explore travelling to different states and having summer adventures experiences. Elvin did, he meant it and he attained it.

Elvin searched the best and expected the best for his children and family. While no-one is given a handbook on raising children, he did the best could with what he knew, he searched out and the paths dreamt for his daughters to experience. This ultimate love for the outdoors made both girls and even to granddaughter Shani have an affinity towards the outdoors and marvel at the beauty of the outdoors to this day.

AHHHH! Don't let me forget, as the girls ponder to each other for mention, "the times of our huge garden which could have fed the entire block. Elvin and Karren loved to garden and encouraged four to spend many nights and rides shucking corn, popping peas, and canning fruits and veggies for the winter season. "We had a truly wise dad, who ensured there was never without" there was always a little some some……That's for sure!!

As Elvin and Karren got older their affinity for travel was extended to their vacations to the Europe: Romania, Greece, Turkey, and Transylvania. At this stage in life, they found a new love for a different travel to Jazz & Essence Festivals overseas as far as St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands where Lisa had now lived, local concerts in Colorado and across country to Atlanta. As empty nesters, the world was there for them to create more experiences and that is what they did.

While in Colorado Elvin and Karren always had affinity towards the Louisiana cuisine they left behind, even ways back to Kansas City Barbeque growing up. The had one big commonality, "they loved to cook, and it was in sync."

While working at their government agencies in the late 80's early 90's, Elvin and Karren became part investors in a local bar and restaurant, "Spruce Street East" off Colfax Ave. in Colorado. Additionally, Elvin and Karren participated in several local festivals and fairs such as the Taste of Colorado, Colorado Black Arts festivals, and the 100 Men who Cook fundraisers featuring "New Orleans," Yep, that mentioned again "Louisiana" taste and styled food. One of their most popular dish was their Cajun Fried Turkey Leg and Crawfish Pies. A hit at the food booth during Colorado Black Arts Festival. Folks lined up to get their food and there was always someone who was not quite happy because the food ran out.

Elvin was an became an avid Denver Bronco Fan and heavily supported his home team the 'KC-Chiefs" as you can see him decked out in the pictured area. "Sonny" took his "Peahces" to the Super Bowl, Broncos vs. 49'ers, where 'mom' had a blast partying with the "barrel man" and "Sonny" was please as his lifelong sweetheart was happy. They traveled much and we should want to believe they are for sure travelling together now. Elvin's passion for sports had him once again taking his "Peahces" to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta. Elvin an avid sports enthusiast dad was proud of Pam's track accomplishments and supported her Superstardom, as she grew running track circuits at elementary, junior high, high school and university teams' level. He also supported Lisa's Interior Design accomplishments and owning a business.

During his later years after he was affiliated with the Owl Club of Denver Colorado, where he served as treasurer. Elvin and Karren supported the Owl Club of Denver Debutantes Galas.

Elvin, Dad, "Sonny" we will miss you. We now understand that no one person on this earth is perfect, however you and mom did good, and we will surely continue to do good for our families. We love you and miss you both.

Elvin's departed from this life on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 1:31 pm. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Pamela Y. Donald, Lisa M. Donald-Joseph; son-in-law, Edmond Joseph; granddaughters, Mandisa A. Jones, Shani J. Riddick; grandsons, Alex G. Williams, Jr., Alique Abasi Williams; great granddaughter Brooklynn M. Ravenell; niece, Kimberly Daniels; first cousins; Dale Mills, Doris Mills and a host of other relatives.


Elvin's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.