KIMBLE, Donald F. (Don)

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Saturday, August 03, 2013 Donald F. Kimble was born November 16, 1929 in Bakersfield, California, to Francis C. Kimble and Violet Van Cleave. He attended Bakersfield Junior College prior to joining the Navy in 1950. He served aboard the USS Prevail during the Korean War and married Sharon Van Fleet of Bakersfield in 1954. He completed his college education at UCLA in 1956. As a Registered Physical Therapist, he worked at Children's Hospital, St. Vincent's, and Verdugo Hills Hospitals in Los Angeles County. While in LA, he treated Johnny Cash and other celebrities. He was hired as the physical therapy consultant on a Rock Hudson movie, "Seconds" and on the TV series "Peyton Place." In 1976, he moved his family to Sedona where he worked at the hospitals in Cottonwood and Flagstaff. He enjoyed his work and seeing his patients regain their health. He and Sharon later divorced and he relocated to Flagstaff. Don moved to Florida in 1980 and married Carollee Skelding in 1982. From 1982-1985, he was the Director of the Bradenton Pain Clinic and then took charge of the Physical Therapy Department in Fisherman's Hospital, Marathon, Florida, until 1987. He did home health care in Manatee and Suwannee Counties until his retirement in 1994. Don and Carollee moved to Clarkdale in 2005 and loved high desert living. Don passed away in his sleep with his wife, Carollee and dog, Trilby, by his side on July 20, 2013. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Charles Kimble of Seattle, daughter Jennifer Kimble of Redmond, Oregon, stepsons, Roderick A. Baluha of Rimrock, AZ, and Richard S. Baluha of Greenwich, CT. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Barbara) Kimble of Santa Maria, CA and Bruce (Kristine) Kimble of Corona Del Mar, CA, grandsons, Scott Kroll, Michael Kroll, Jakob Kimble, 3 great grandchildren, and 5 nieces and nephews. At his request, no services will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the Verde Valley Humane Society. Information provided by survivors.