Donald Lampton, age 70, of Twin Valley, MN, died Sunday, March 5, 2017, in his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Donald Lloyd Lampton was born June 15, 1946, the son of Oliver and Martha (Meyers) Lampton in Fargo, ND. Donnie was raised in the Ulen, MN, community where he also attended school. In his younger years, Donnie worked in Ulen and Twin Valley for area farmers. On October 17, 1964, Donnie married Cheryl Holtman in Twin Valley. The couple lived mainly in the Twin Valley area. Donnie was a truck driver; both over-the-road and local, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was widely known by his CB handle, The Joker. Over the years, Donnie was employed by Foltz Trucking, Dee Gee Trucking and Don Skaurud and Sons. On June 8, 1996, Donnie was united in marriage to Darlene Kuehn in Twin Valley. On February 11, 2006, Donnie confirmed his faith in the Catholic Church and had his marriage blessed by Fr. Tom Fridel.

Donnie's favorite pastimes included playing cards with friends and family, especially pinochle, and more recently playing slots on his iPad. He also enjoyed going to the casino or for a simple drive through the country. Donnie loved dancing which was a gift he passed down to many of his children and grandchildren. Johnny Cash was, of course, a favorite but he liked to dance to nearly anything. Donnie had a true passion for horses. He enjoyed riding and took pride in watching his children and grandchildren ride. Every opportunity he had, you would hear Donnie boast about the buckles and awards they all had earned on their horse. He held a special place in his heart for his son Danny's horse, Blaze, and his dog, Maddie. When Donnie was feeling well enough you would often see them out for walks putting miles on his scooter. If you ever needed a good laugh, Donnie was your guy, as he could tell a million different jokes. His wonderful sense of humor brought smiles to many and will leave fond memories with those who loved him.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Darlene of Twin Valley, MN; children: Cindy (Wayne) Bekkerus, David (Sylvia) Lampton, Mike (Alicia) Lampton, Mandy (Jason) Begg, all of Twin Valley, MN and Heather (DJ) Lampton of Hawley, MN; 18 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Janice (Wally) Flyberg of Twin Valley, MN and Jane (Al) Swalstad of Fergus Falls, MN; brothers: Roland Lampton of Lake Park, MN, Lyle (Joyce) Janke of Fargo, ND, Richard (Sharon) Lampton of Hibbing, MN and Arlo (Kathy) Lampton of Twin Valley, MN; a sister-in-law, LoLa Albright of Rosamond, CA; two aunts, Esther Kara and Marion Lisburg, nd many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Danny; two brothers, Gary Janke and Dave Albright; one sister, Annette; sisters-in-law, Joyce Janke and Jackie Lampton; and his parents-in-law: Albert and Margaret Kuehn.

Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 9, 2016, at 11:00am in St. William Catholic Church, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 8, from 5:00-7:00pm with a prayer service at 6:00pm in the Anderson Family Funeral Home, Twin Valley and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Officiating will be Fr. Bill DeCrans with CeCe Winter providing special music. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Paul Bekkerus, Scott Lampton, Eric Begg, Ryan Lampton, Jordan Lampton, Jeffrey Lampton, Eli Lampton, Jacob Peabody and Connor Lampton. Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters: Ashley Abraham, Megan Ostgarden, Shiann Lampton, Kylie Lampton, Brooke Lampton, Baylee Barstow, Morgan Begg, Annabelle Begg, and Haylee Brandt-Lampton, along with his great grandchildren: Alexis, Madison, Cassidy, Chloe, Tayten, Ellie, Lainie, Cullen, Paisley and Gunnar.