Growing Up · Pike County
My First Home
A small farmhouse, a giant maple tree, six children, and the sounds and memories that made a childhood home.
Read the storyFeatured Stories
Start here. Each story combines Don’s original words with family photographs, carefully restored images and clearly identified illustrations inspired by his memories.
Travels & Adventures · 1971
My First Big Trip
A big green Oldsmobile, two blown tires, Route 66, the Grand Canyon and the family’s first cross-country adventure.
Read the story
Career · 1960–2001
My Caterpillar Career
From a new engineering graduate in 1960 to patents, proving grounds, leadership and a career that stretched across decades.
Read the StoryExplore Don’s Stories
As the collection grows, every story will also be available by subject.
Growing UpFamilyCareerTravels & AdventuresFaith & ReflectionsHumor & Everyday Life
A Life in Stories
A second way to explore the collection—following Don’s memories through time.
1930s–40sPike County childhood & farm life
1950sSchool, college & early adulthood
1960sCaterpillar, marriage & a growing family
1970sFamily adventures & career growth
1980s–90sLeadership, travel & changing seasons
Later YearsFamily, faith, reflection & remembering
About the Collection
In Don’s Own Words
This site preserves Don’s stories as a family memoir—his memories of childhood, family, work, travel, faith and the people and places that shaped his life.
Don’s words are presented as written. Photographs come from the family archive. Some photographs are carefully restored and colorized, with the historical originals preserved and available to view. Recreated scenes are identified as illustrations inspired by Don’s stories.