Donald Earl Bemis

Donald Earl Bemis went to meet our Lord on February 21, 2019. He often said, “I can’t wait to meet the Lord,” and now, the Lord has brought him home. Don is survived by his devoted and loving wife Cathy Bemis and his sister Marlene Lewis. He loved his three daughters dearly; Linda McNulty, Karen Valdivia, and Nikki Bemis who admired and loved their extraordinary Father. Their spouses/partners; Greg McNulty, Mike Valdivia and James McCrary loved Don as a Father. Don’s grandchildren; Jennifer/Dishon Gonzales, Lena/Michael Mom, Ryan/Vanessa McNulty, Connor McNulty, Anthony Dias-Skyles, Ana-Lisa Bemis and James McCrary and his GREAT grandchildren; Joseph and Janel Gonzales all loved him dearly. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Earl Bemis, Helen Bemis, and five brothers and sisters (Byron, Wayne, Clarice, Alberta, and Opal). He is survived by 12 nieces and nephews. His unbounding and faithful dedication to the Lord was apparent the minute you met him. Known by all as kind, generous, and often hilarious. His humor will live on in our cherished memories. He would always see the positive in everyone and if he met you once, he would have most likely prayed for you until the end of his life. He served his country by joining the Air Force during the Korean War. Following enlistment, he worked at IBM for 35 years. Don married Helen Bemis in 1953, now deceased, and Catalina Mirelez in 1978. He and Cathy then retired to Yreka, CA in 1984. His devotion to our Lord was an ardent foundation throughout his life. He ministered at Beverly Manor retirement home for ten years and the Susanville Prison for 21 years. He became Pastor of Copco Chapel in 2004. He loved music and sang with his congregation. His church will continue to sing the Lord’s praise in his name and will miss him dearly. He went on a mission trip to Russia where he ministered to families, schools and the military. He also went on Randy Clark's mission trip to Brazil. He belonged to the Ministerial Association, was Advisor to the Women’s Aglow group, and the Gideon’s where he distributed complementary Bibles. Don helped organize, “Reading through the Bible” where churches of all denominations volunteered to read the entire Bible continuously, around the clock, over a period of four days. Don was instrumental in starting the Lords Kitchen in Montague, CA and was a Bogus School Board Member for five years. While he had an unwavering passion for the Lord, it is truly remarkable that he still had time to run 26 marathons and even qualified for the Boston Marathon at 50. He loved his dogs and sheep and was a good shepherd, constantly watching over his flocks. Memorial Services will be March 16, at 1:00 p.m. Bethel church, 1115 Lane Street in Yreka, CA. Cherished memories will be shared, thereafter. If you would like to help, with food, bringing a dish to share would be appreciated. Leave your condolences at Legacy.com - Don Bemis; or at www.girdnerfuneralchapel.com

Donald Earl Bemis

November 18, 1930 - February 21, 2019