Colonel Donald William Bartlett, 92, passed peacefully in his sleep during the early hours of March 26, 2023. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he attended high school and applied his artistic talents to school theater productions.

After graduating from high school, he served in the Korean War as a Lieutenant Artilleryman. There was nothing that made him prouder than serving his country. After being honorably discharged, he remained in the Army Reserves and rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring. As an art major, he attended Boston University for two years, later receiving his B.A. from the University of Texas, El Paso. There he met his first wife, Carol, with whom he had two children.

Throughout the years, Don was employed by the Army as a Technical Writer, which brought him to Fort Monroe. There he met his wife, Chris, when they both auditioned for the Peninsula Community Theater's production of Cabaret.

Don is survived by his wife Chris; daughters Ashley Hawley (Paolo), Lynn Gray (Steve); grandchildren Connor Hawley, Kate Hawley, Chelsea White (Ryan), Zachary Gray (John); and sister Betty Lovell. His son, Christopher Bartlett predeceased him.

At various times, he was President of the Hampton Roads Civic Ballet, Reserve Officers Association, Peninsula Area Credit Executives, Peninsula Community Theater, and was Director of the Fort Monroe Credit Union. In later years, he became a Master Gardener and was involved in Hampton's Clean City Beautification Program.

Many fun times were had doing voice overs, alongside Chris, for Rainbow Production's Puppet Shows. Don had leading roles in many plays, notably "Taming of the Shrew" and "Sound of Music." He also enjoyed directing productions, such as "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Cactus Flower."

Singing was a big part of Don's life: he sang both in his church choir and his barbershop quartet group. Don would sing anywhere to anyone, singing even to his hospice nurse in his final days. Friends will remember Don for his sense of humor, positive demeanor, and ability to find good in everyone he met.

Services will be held at 2 o'clock on Saturday, April 1st, at First United Methodist Church Fox Hill. Rev. Brian Sixbey will officiate, with a reception to follow services. Memorials may be made to FUMC Fox Hill.

"Happy Easter," sweet Don.