GySgt Donald E. Ainsworth, VMO-2, has flown west
I regret to inform you of my father's passing. Perhaps other members need to be informed. My father was a proud and honorable marine. All that knew him respected him.

Gunnery Sgt. Donald E. Ainsworth USMC (ret) - born 3-24-40 - died after a long battle with esophogeal cancer on 6-22-10.

Donald E. Ainsworth died June 22, 2010 at home after a long battle with esophageal cancer.

Donald (Don) Edward Ainsworth was born March 24, 1940 in Rock Springs, WY the second son of Jack L. and Wilma (Burke) Ainsworth. He was also a veteran, serving two tours in the Vietnam War as a Helicopter Crew Chief. Through the course of his duty, he earned many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Purple Heart. He retired as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps after 20 years of service.

Don also enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors, and above all else, being a father. He also served as a mentor and a father figure to many outside of his immediate family. Don was a selfless individual who always put the needs of others before his own.

Don is survived by his wife Madoline of 25 years, his four children Will Ainsworth, Kenny Ainsworth, Laura Murray, Kari Canfield, and seven grandchildren: Darla and Russell Ainsworth, Alex Ainsworth, Christopher, Cheyenne, Shaunhan and Falon Murray. Don is also survived by his brother Jack A. Ainsworth and his four nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Kitty (Harksen) Ainsworth, and eldest son Don Ainsworth Jr.

Memorial services for Donald Ainsworth will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 28, 2010 at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Evansville. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Sunday June 27, 2010 at Newcomer Funeral Home.

You can contact the family at 307 266-4175 or 307 251-3511.
Laura Ainsworth Murray fivlilwrds@yahoo.com
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Alan H. Barbour, Historian
USMC Combat Helicopter Assoc
SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI
"Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever"