Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1953 Lucky Bag:

DONALD CHASE VOELKER

The fact that he hails from Rhode Island is no indication of Don’s size. From the city of Woonsocket, 194-pound Don came to the Academy on the heel of an NROTC engineering year at Brown University in Providence. Don’s successes at Navy were primarily in the academic field, but he was a ready and hard-playing participant in everything from batt football to table tennis. Don was active in numerous engineering clubs . . . still had time for his private library of the classics. Proud of his New England heritage and fond of his home, Don swore that the sweetest mile was that “last mile home” on the old Woonsocket local.

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He was also a member of the Physics Club, the Engineering Club, and the 9th Company staff for the winter set.

Loss

Donald was lost on April 15, 1958 when his A-1 Skyraider crashed near Benson, Arizona.

Other Information

From Find A Grave:

Don is the second child of Philip and Mildred Voelker. USNA class of 1953. Aircraft carrier pilot, Skyraiders. VA-55. Stationed in San Diego at time of death. Married Carol Jean Filsinger on March 17, 1956. Adopted Paula Christine Voelker. Don and Carol had two children, Lisa Ann Owczarzak-Voelker and Paul Andrew Voelker. Accidental aeronautical death. Additional memorial at Mt. Soledad Veteran’s Memorial in La Jolla, California.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Donald graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1948. He played the genial doctor in the senior play “Curtain Time.” Formal Dance Committee 3; Dramatic Club 4; Christmas play 2, 3; Cross Country 2; Pep Rally 4; Student Council 3, 4; Play 3, 4. Favorite Saying: “Anything goes.” Voted: Best Actor.

Donald is buried in California.

Photographs

From his high school yearbook