Obituary of Donald Edward Shinn

Donald E Shinn Jr. passed away on July 30, 2019 in Oroville, California at age 74. Don was born on January 12, 1945 to Rosamond Maxwell and Donald Edward Shinn in Avalon California on Catalina Island.

Don grew up in San Diego, graduated from Herbert Hoover High School, then enlisted in the U.S.Army  to serve a 3 year tour in Germany.  He then returned home to  Los Angeles where his family had relocated.  He worked as a Machinist, a Glazier and later became a Commercial Insulator.

Don moved to Oroville in 1976 to live near his Grandmother and Brother.  He had a passion for Drag Racing at the former Oroville race track where he met some lifetime friends.  He also enjoyed  boating, water skiing and Bass Fishinng on Lake Oroville.  In 1976 he met "the love of his life" Marlene Sanderfer.  They were married in 1979.

Don Loved Ford's!  Especially early Muustang's from, 64 1/2. 65. & 66.  He began restoring Ford's as a hobby then opened his business "Don Shinn's Mustang's" on Mitchell St. for many years.  He also restored many award winning  Mustang's as well as his Prized "White Lightning" ' 53 F-100 Merc. featured on the cover of "Vans and Trucks" magazine in September 1978.

In Don's retired years he lived in Kelly Ridge.  He was an avid card player and loved his monthly gatherings with his close friends as well as his weekly visits to the casino.

Don was preceeded in death by his loving sister Judy Toth, 62 of Redding & his brother Gregg Shinn, 58 of Brookings OR. (formerly Berry Creek). He is also survived by his niece Sarah Kohlbeck and nephew Steve Toth of Redding. Also his  distant nephew's David, Ben and Abe Shinn and  cousin Darrel Shinn of Chelan WA.

No Funeral service will be held.  A private celebration of life will be held for immediate family and closest friends in the near future.  Arrangements are entrusted to Oroville Funeral Home (530) 533-0323.