Donald Felton

Donald Felton, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 21, 2021. He was born October 14, 1931 to Paul and Greta (Bennett) Felton in Neola, IA.

Don married the love of his life, Flora Belle Hildebrandt, in 1954. While serving two years in the United States Army, Flora and Don started their family. Randy was born in 1955. Exactly two years later, in 1957, Roger came along. After that, Cindi was born in 1960, and Rick in 1962.

Both Don and Flora were very involved in the 4H program as leaders of the boys and girls clubs in Neola from 1956 until sometime in the late 80s. Mentoring youth was an important part of their lives. Don taught many young 4Hers how to select, feed, break to lead, clip, show and judge livestock projects. Don was inducted into the WestFair Hall of Fame in the late 90s. And both Don and Flora were inducted into the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair in 2010.

For many years both Don and Rick have supported 4Hers and the WestFair sale by organizing a group of area business owners and friends known as the Neola Boosters Club. In addition to bringing booster funds to the sale, it has been said that Don is the best “second place bidder” in the world.

Angus cattle and farming were Don’s passion. The farm was originally named Paul P. Felton & Son Angus Farm and became Felton Angus Farms (FAF) when Don returned from serving his country in 1956 and became a full partner. His parents, Paul and Greta, continued to be involved in the business until they passed away. Don, Flora and family eventually purchased the farm and cattle in 1992. Years later Don and Rick became partners in Felton Angus Farms.

Don was known and loved in the Angus community far and wide. He was always quick with a smile and a joke… it might be a bad joke, but his sense of humor was legendary. Don believed in honesty, integrity, and that your handshake is your bond. He often said, “Bad news travels a lot faster than good, so it’s best to treat people fairly.”

Through the years Don has been president of Botna Valley Angus Association, River Basin Angus Association, and president of the Denison Angus Association. He has been on the board of directors of all of these Associations as well as the Iowa State Angus Association. He was a charter member of the Tri-County Steer Futurity and was president and director of the Pottawattaime County Cattlemen’s Association for many years. Don has also been on the Extension Council and the Westfair Sale Committee as well as the Frontier Fair Sale Committee. Felton Angus Farms are a 50 Year National Angus Member, and Don was an Ak-Sar-Ben Ambassador for many years. He also had a brief stint in politics when he ran for Pottawattamie County Supervisor in the late 1970s.

Don was preceded in death by wife, Flora Felton; father, Paul Felton; mother, Greta Felton; son, Roger Felton (Betty); daughter-in-law, Peggy Felton; and sister, Pauline Needham.

Don is survived by son, Randy (Lorri) Felton; daughter, Cindi Sherman (Stephen Tompkins); son, Rick Felton; grandchildren, Alyse (Clayton) Thornton, and Andrew (Lindsey) Sherman; great grandchildren, Ryder and Axsys; sister, Mary Kardell; and a host of other family and friends.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM at Neola Township on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, with a Celebration of Life later this year. The family will direct memorials.