Donald E. "Don" Vigil

Don graduated from La Junta High School in 1967 and was drafted into the Army. He served valiantly in the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged from the 854th Transportation Company as an SP4. He married Lainie Vigil and had two children. After the war, Don worked at Fort Lyon in La Junta until he was hired by the Santa Fe Railroad and moved his family to Pueblo. He worked as a track foreman & supervisor and retired after 25 years. Don loved his job, especially working outside and working with his hands. He said that it gave him a sense of accomplishment and he passed a strong work ethic to his kids. He missed the railroad greatly after retirement and enjoyed telling funny stories from those days. Don married his wife Janet Wheat in May of 2012, lovingly nicknaming her his “Wheatie”. He loved Janet very much and she was with him to the very end. Don also loved his family and friends and would do anything within his power to help anyone in need. He welcomed people into his home, always with the attitude of what is mine is yours. Don took in a lot of family and a lot of friends over the years. He was the one that everyone would turn to in times of trouble. Don had a big personality. He loved to laugh, to pull pranks and tell jokes. He had a nickname for everyone, sometimes two or three. He could be mischievous and loved to continue an argument even when he knew he was wrong, just for fun. He was highly intelligent and curious and loved to read and learn about the world. He always occupied the head seat at the table and enjoyed a good discussion and meaningful conversation. Don loved the outdoors, loved camping, and particularly loved fishing, and enjoyed tying his own flies. He was truly at peace out on the river and in the quiet of the mountains. Don also loved sports. He was a lifelong Raiders fan. He loved the Yankees, and most especially loved Boxing. Don and Janet would often host ‘Fight Nights’ at their home. It often did not matter who was fighting, he would watch any boxing match that was on anyway. Don was a true music lover and musician, and performed with two bands in the Pueblo area, playing both the guitar and the bass. The first band he played with was “The Mustangs”, who did rock, oldies and country. He also played with the “Blue Pepper Band”, who did rock, country, jazz, pop and soul music. Both bands played mostly in the Pueblo area, with Blue Pepper Band playing a stint at the Colorado State Fair. Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. ‘I Love You More!’

Donald E. "Don" Vigil

October 23, 1949 - March 15, 2026