Donald Anson Cash, a former longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on August 18 at age 94. Cash was born in Chicago on September 24, 1917 to Mollie Lytle Portteus Cash and Hugh Allison Cash. His father was the director of editorial arts at the Chicago Tribune. Don had three siblings’Hillis, Hugh Jr. (June) and Laurel. In high school, he participated in football and track, winning the Illinois state championship in javelin throw in 1936. He attended Michigan State and Elmhurst College, where he earned a degree in accounting, and continued in various sports: Golden Gloves boxing, bowling and golfing, where he shot a hole-in-one. Don was inducted into the Army in August 1941. He served in the Signal Corps as a radio and Morse code operator at various stations. His active duty was mostly in California, monitoring airwaves along the Pacific Coast. His overseas duty included the Philippines, Okinawa and Tokyo. He achieved the rank of sergeant, and was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal before his honorable discharge in November 1945. Don met his wife, Hazel Johnson, in high school. Their relationship didn’t develop until they met again while attending college. After dating for three years, they decided to elope in Geneva, Illinois in 1941. Hazel remained in Chicago when Don left to serve in the Army. During the war, Hazel moved to California to be closer to Don. She worked at Douglas Aircraft as an A Planner. After the war the couple purchased land in Pacific Palisades, built a house and in May 1950 they moved in. By this time, Don had begun an accounting career working for the Southern California Gas Company, where he became a supervisor. He retired in 1982. Don and Hazel were married for 61 years, and raised three children: Gregory of Van Nuys, David of San Francisco and Donna Cash Harris of San Diego. Don, a devoted family man, helped Hazel care for his sister-in-law, Marian, who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease for years. He continued to care for Hazel until her death in April 2002. Don remained active in the Palisades even though he was legally blind for many years. In November 2007, at age 90, he moved to the Chula Vista Veterans Home. Up until that time, he was a familiar sight at the Palisades High track jogging in the morning. With his red-and-white striped cane he could be seen walking to town. He regularly attended church and assisted the ladies of the Methodist Church ‘OK’ room. He also joined the Palisades Seniors group, became a member of the American Legion and participated in tai chi classes. In addition to his children, who were with him in his final days, Don is survived by his grandchildren Jennifer and Ryan Cash, and great-grandchildren Tyler, Dylan and Ryder Cash. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on September 24 at the Chula Vista Veterans Home, 700 E. Naples Court. Don’s family would like to send a special thank you to the neighbors on El Medio Avenue, Methodist Church members, the firemen at Station 69, the Big Blue Bus drivers and the servers at Norm’s restaurant for enabling Don and Hazel to live at home independently for many years.
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