2020/05/obit-lundegran-073-209x300.gifCharles Donald Lundergan (Don) passed away May 18 at his home on a lake in Pagosa Springs. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, and his four sons, Mike, Tim, Don and Dan, and their families. Don was born Sept. 24, 1923, in Washington, Ind. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of the track team. Don was a proud veteran, having served in the Navy as LT (JG), U.S. Naval Reserve 1941-1946. He served in WWII in the South Pacific.
Don enjoyed the great outdoors, skiing, mountain climbing and physics. He set up a mountain rescue in the Sandia Mountains while working for Sandia National Laboratories. He worked for Sandia as a physicist from 1956-1986, including work in foreign intelligence the last 10 years of his career. Don was instrumental in the development of shock wave physics, developing groundbreaking theories still used today. Don was also a teacher, teaching physics and math at St. Louis University and Texas A&M. Don provided tutoring to students in his community well into his 90s. Don lectured, published and received numerous awards for his many contributions.
Don married the love of his life, Elaine, on April 1, 1972. They were married in Greece, after their request to be married by a witch doctor in the Congo was declined due to diplomatic issues. Don and Elaine traveled and explored the world together. Their loving, attentive relationship through nearly 50 years of marriage serves as a role model for those around them.
Don loved living in the Pagosa community and appreciated all of the friendship and support.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Veterans Memorial Park: https://vetsmemorialpark.org or send mail to P.O. Box 2642, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
