Donald J. Benefield passed peacefully at St. Elizabeth hospital on January 13, 2021 at the age of 84. Donald was born March 8, 1936 in Alturas, CA, the eldest of four children born to Loren "Bunt" and Evelyn Benefield. Don spent his childhood living in logging camps in Northern California and for years he never knew there were other kids, until his brother, Bob was born. Don moved around the north state and attended Shasta High School and eventually graduated from Red Bluff High School. He often told stories of his childhood and how he and his brother were always looking for ways to make money whether it was collecting bottles to his own mowing and landscaping services. Don was always working on projects, trying to figure out how to make something work better or faster. His love of going fast was prevalent during his Racing Career in Northern CA. He held a number of track records in the State and was always a formidable competitor on the track. Don met his wife of nearly 60 years while Dianne frequented a local gas station where Don worked. They married on August 13, 1960 in a simple ceremony in Reno, NV.

Don was a Welder by trade and was called upon to make that tough weld on more than one occasion. He retired from Pactiv, formerly the Diamond Pulp Mill in 1999, after 40 years in the paper industry. Prior to going to work in paper, he spent time working in heavy construction and in the woods falling timber. Don and Dianne both loved to hunt and spent many deer seasons on the family cabin on Lanes Valley. Don's love for racing saw him spend many nights traveling from track to track in Northern CA. Whether he was in Chico one night, to Anderson the next, then down to Capital Speedway in Sacramento, Don and his crew put the miles in to make every race he could. He would often tell stories of his travels and the many friends he made along the way.

Don and Dianne raised two children, Marvin Benefield and Julie Stacy, both residing in Red Bluff. He was always very supportive of their children. He never missed a game that his children were competing in, that carried over to the love for his two Grandsons, Nolan and Drew. Grandpa and Grandma were in the stands whether it was in Crescent City or Mt. Shasta and anywhere else their games would take them, they loved cheering on the Boys.

Don is survived by his Children, Marvin Benefield and Julie (J. B.) Stacy, his Grandsons, Nolan and Drew Stacy, all of Red Bluff; his Mother, Evelyn Benefield in Cottonwood, Brother Bob (Barbara) Benefield, Red Bluff and Brother Mark Benefield, Cottonwood and many other family members whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Dianne Mohler Benefield; his Father, Loren Benefield, his Sister Louise Miller and his Nephew, Kenny Benefield.

Private Services will be held to intern his remains in Red Bluff, CA. The family would like to invite family and friends to a future Celebration of Life to be determined.