Donald Honey

DONALD HONEY

1938-2016

Donald Gene Honey, 77, of Napa, California, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.

Don was born September 11, 1938 in Sikeston Missouri to Lyman and Myree Honey.  At age 10, he moved with his parents to California, settling in Sacramento.  Still in his teens, he met his wife to be of 58 years, Betty, at the community pool.  During their courtship, Don served in the Air Force, spending most of his service time in Japan.  Don and Betty were married in 1958 and started their family soon after. 

Don worked briefly for a beverage company then began his career with Granny Goose Foods in Sacramento.  Over a 35 year career, he worked his way from route driver to Vice President of the company, a position he held for several years until his retirement.  His career path took him to Los Angeles and San Diego before settling with his family in Napa in 1974.  He commuted to Oakland for many years so his family could live in the Napa Valley.  He worked for Barbara’s Bakery for several years before leaving to start his own company alongside two longtime friends and business associates.  The company, Creative Energy Foods, was begun on a handshake agreement during a fishing trip and over the years was developed into a large manufacturing plant making nutrition bars of many different brands.  He landed his biggest account with Think Thin bars which the company still produces by the thousands every day.  Unfortunately his health forced him to retire in his early 70’s. 

Don’s greatest love in life was spending time with his family.  He was a man who put the needs of others before his own in all things.  A loving husband and father, as well as the ultimate grandfather to his three beloved granddaughters.  Named Papa by his oldest granddaughter, that became his official title.  Don and Betty never missed a game or special event.  With a booming voice, he could often be heard cheering over an entire crowd. 

In their spare time, Don and Betty enjoyed traveling to China, the Mediterranean and Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and Tahiti. Don loved fishing of all kinds, once landing a 180 pound Marlin.  He also enjoyed anything related to boating, old hot rod cars, old western movies and blues music.  But his favorite activity was just being Papa. 

Don is survived by his wife Betty, his son Don Honey and daughter Paige Honey Sherwood, and his three granddaughters, Alyssa, Alexandra, and Kendall. 

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 11am on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 in the Tulocay Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Tulocay Cemetery.  Memories and words of sympathy may be shared with the family on-line at www.tulocaycemetery.org.

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