Donald worked for Homestake Mining Company in Lead, South Dakota; Olympia Oyster Company in Kamilche, Washington; Tacoma City Light at Lake Cushman Dam, Hoodsport, Washington; a hydroelectric Power Plant Operator at Garrison Dam, Canyon Ferry Dam on the Missouri River; and Monumental Dam on the Snake River. While living in Kahlotus, he was a volunteer fireman and an emergency medical technician (EMT). He served on the city council, school bosrd and cemetery board. He belonged to the VFW and American Legion. He built model airplanes, ships, his home, a gyrocopter, and was an artist and painter, and he drew pictures of th area. He had two patents, a 4-way lock and also the Life Story Memory Maker.