Donald Clyde Emmons passed away June 25th, 2017, at Izzy’s Adult Family Home. He was born September 5th, 1927, to Franklin and Pauline Grace Emmons. When Don was 8, his father was killed in an auto accident that left Don, his 6 year old brother, infant sister and mother alone in the middle of the Depression. He became the “man” of the family creating a life-long strong willed, self-reliant care giver. He worked many jobs to support the family while managing to stay in school. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned as the ship’s baker.
While he was in the Navy, his mother and siblings moved to Yakima, and when his service was completed he located here. He met Doris Gammons on a blind date arranged by her sister and on January 12, 1951 they were married. Utilizing his baking skills he became employed with Snyders’ Bakery for many years but eventually developed allergies to the dust and flour and was forced to resign. He attended a computer school in Seattle in the early 60’s but he was just a bit ahead of the computer age and found it difficult to find a job. Shortly after, Doris’ father passed away and he and Doris purchased the family pear/apple ranch in Gleed.
Don did odd night jobs in town at night and worked the ranch full time in the day. He knew nothing of farming but taught himself by reading everything that was available. Don’s great love became gardening and fruit growing. He had several varieties of all types of fruits; his pride and joy was growing cantaloupe and onions. Visitors could not leave the farm without taking a carload of fruit and vegetables with them… Don’s grandkids giving him the nickname “Farmer Don.”
Don’s claim to fame was his discovery and propagation of an heirloom apple, The Lady Alice. He found great joy in seeing this apple advertised and marketed around the country. His grandkids would send him text pictures whenever they saw it in supermarkets in other cities and states. He received recognition in several nationally known magazines. His living room was filled with pictures and articles promoting The Lady Alice. He continued farming into his late 80’s; after he transferred the farm to his son, he still continued to grow a vegetable garden.
Don’s main focus in life became being caregiver to his wife of 65 years, Doris. With the help of many beloved caregivers, Dad was able to keep himself and Mom home for several years until they were both forced to move into assisted living. The family would like to thank Cheryl and Del Miles and their incredible staff for making Mom and Dad’s last year so comfortable and pleasant.
Don is preceded in death by his wife Doris L. Emmons, son-in-law Dale F. Schmidt, cousin Eleanor Emmons and longtime friend and caregiver Maggie Cortez. He is survived by brother Wilber (Lynn) Emmons, Idaho, sister Martha Myers, Redmond; three children: Teresa L Camfield (Michael), Lynden, Judy Schmidt Gano (Wade), Selah, and Franklin (Michelle) Emmons, Gleed; granddaughters: Erin (Kory) Mattson, Wenatchee, Kathleen (Clayton) Levien, Lynden, Staci (Jonathan Assouline) Emmons, Mill Creek, Alison (Juan) Crisostomo, Gleed, Jennifer Spoelstra (Jared), Ferndale, Geneva (Josh Paddison), San Marcos, TX; grandsons: Keith (Elyse) Schmidt, Olympia, Dylan (Heather) Emmons, Gleed, and Jake (Joan Haab), San Diego; great grandchildren: Ava and Adrian Crisostomo, Maverick and Sydney Levien, Chloe and Caleb Mattson, Haines Spoelstra, Dorothy Paddison and Roy Gano.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 8th, 2017, at 10:00 AM at the Rainier Memorial Center, Terrace Heights.
Dad you lived your life your way… There was no doubt about that.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.
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