Donald Jerry Amis, age 80, of Vacaville, California, passed away on July 19.
Born on March 1, 1945, in Merced, California, Donald was the beloved son of Thelma and Charles Amis and brother to Alice (Amis) Hedrick. He grew up in Planada, California, later traveling all over the world. Donald loved airplanes, dogs, his home, and above all, his precious family.
In 1967, Donald married Sharron Van Houten, and together they built a life filled with family, friends, travel, laughter, and love. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Donald’s journey from humble beginnings to a distinguished international career was marked by perseverance, intellect, and service. He began working in the fields as a young boy alongside his parents, later attending Le Grand High School, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965, where he served honorably during the Vietnam era before his honorable discharge in 1969. During his service, he also worked part-time transporting military vehicles for Union Garage—a job he continued full-time after his military service.
Balancing full-time work and family responsibilities, Donald used the GI Bill to attend Sacramento State College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1974.
In 1977, Donald began a decades-long career with the U.S. Department of State for the Foreign Service. His postings spanned the globe, beginning at the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong and including assignments in Ivory Coast, Chad, The Gambia, France, Mali, and Spain. In Chad, during a time of war and unrest, he served as both Administrative Officer and Security Officer, receiving special training to personally protect the U.S. Ambassador. He later worked with NASA to prepare The Gambia as an emergency landing site for the U.S. Space Shuttle.
In Washington, D.C., he took on critical leadership roles managing embassy facilities across Africa, including in the aftermath of the devastating embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. His efforts during that time earned him promotion to the prestigious rank of Foreign Service Officer Grade 1, with the military equivalent of Colonel. Donald’s final postings included leadership roles in Madrid and Mali, as well as roving assignments across Africa, where he lent his expertise to embassies in need. He retired in 2005 after more than 30 years of honorable service.
Donald’s generosity and sense of humor were the cornerstones of his character. In his presence, no person in need was ignored, many of whom have remained in his life for decades. Any dog that walked past his home was offered water and a treat, many running straight inside to greet him gleefully. He found humor in all situations, and up to his last day was making jokes with the people around him, coaxing a laugh or smile to warm our hearts. His passion for aviation remained constant, with the Vacaville airport and museum like a second home and family.
Donald is survived by his wife, Sharron (Van Houten) Amis; son Zachary Amis and daughter Sandra Amis; daughter-in-law Josie Amis; son-in-law Alberto Fernandez Juzgado; and beloved grandchildren Jaxon Amis, Audrey Amis, Tommy Vives, and Cristian Vives. His passing has left a hole in our hearts and lives that cannot be filled.
Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to his friends and family from around the world who have offered their love and support during this time. Hearing from you meant the world to him, and you provide comfort to us now.
