Donald King

Donald Gleason King passed from this life on January 27, 2011. He was born in St. John, Kansas, on August 2, 1924, to Rufus Vern King and Beaulah (Fouch) King. He was raised near Pratt, Kansas. He graduted from Hopewell High School.

He enlisted in the United States Navy on June 22, 1943. Most of his time was spent fighting in the Pacific Islands during his 3-year tenure in the service. He fought bravely during the Invasion of the Marshall Islands and the Battle of Midway. He was very proud to have served his country, in which he received The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, The World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

After returning from the war, he farmed wheat in Kingsley, Kansas. He married Pauline Fern King on February 14, 1945. They continued to farm until moving to Spokane, WA, then on to Yakima, where Don bought the Thunderbird Motel. He moved on to selling cars for a brief period at Wagner Chevrolet. He started tending bar at the Moose Club. The job he loved was being the manager at the VFW Post 379, he did this until retirement. He continued to be active in the activities at the VFW; he was very proud to volunteer for the funeral team paying honor and respect to those men and women who served their country.

Over the years Don loved camping, snowmobiling, trap shooting, playing pool with the guys at the VFW club, and, of course, golfing.

Don is survived by two sons, Tom King and his wife Myke of Fairbanks, Alaska, Tim King and his wife Christie King of Yakima; one daughter, Peggy Grant of Ammon, ID; one brother, Kenneth King of Witchita, Kansas; six grandchildren, Michelle Lowe, Elliot Munger, Roberta Wallace, Charles Grant, Sara Grant, and Jessie King; and 9 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline King, and daughter, Shirley Munger.

Memorial Service will be held February 1, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Shaw & Sons Funeral Directors. A celebration of Don's life will be held at the Eagles Club following the service.