Coach Don Churchill, age 89, peacefully entered into Heaven on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
He was born on Friday, June 18,1926, to the late Edward and Iva Churchill in Glendale, California. The family moved to San Diego where he graduated from San Diego High School and received All-City honors while winning the League Championship in basketball. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during World War II.
After being honorably discharged, he continued his studies at the University of Redlands where he played basketball and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. In 1953, he began his basketball coaching career where he led the University of Redlands freshman team to a championship. His first assignment in the field of education was teaching history at Coachella Valley High School where upon he was also voted Riverside County League Coach of the Year.
Moving to Stockton in 1956, Don became a member of the inaugural staff at Marshall Jr. High as head of the PE department. At Marshall, he continued coaching where he led the basketball program to six championships with two undefeated seasons. While there, he met and fell in love with Alberta whom he later married in 1962. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree at the University of the Pacific.
In 1969, he transferred to Franklin High School where he taught PE and continued coaching. His 1975 sophomore team won the Stagg Tournament and finished the season with an SJAA League Championship. He completed his 31 year coaching career in 1984 with Franklin’s Varsity basketball team. Ultimately, he became the chair of the PE department, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1989.
Don was preceded in death by his siblings Allen Churchill and Elaine Paden. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alberta Fedler Churchill, daughter Terilynn, and son Kenneth Scott (Nicole), all of Stockton. Surviving grandchildren are Logan Cade, Kevon Scott, Tristyn Noelle, and Monique Nicole.
The family would like to express its appreciation to Quail Lakes Baptist Church (his church home for over 30 years), the Hampton Windsor Care facility for their many months of compassionate care, and Hospice of San Joaquin for making his last days peaceful.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Franklin Athletic Boosters by contacting Richard Sandoval @ (209) 922-6617.
VISITATION
There will be a viewing Friday, January 22, 2016 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 E. Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240 from 1-8 pm.
SERVICES
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240
INTERMENT
Interment immediately following.