Donald William Trammell was the eldest child of Lewis “Dutch” Trammell and Hattie (Rankin) Trammell. He was born in Rich Hill, Missouri, on August 27, 1931. When Don was 12 years old, he and his Dad moved to the Yakima Valley in search of a better life. His Mom and three brothers soon followed, and he remained here until his death on June 24, 2019, at the age of 87.
After attending school in Yakima, Don joined the Marine Corps in 1951. He served as an MP in Japan and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. He returned to Yakima and worked for the Yakima Cattleman’s Association.
Don started his career in the soft drink industry in 1956 at Coca Cola. After the owner of Pepsi, John Noel, Sr., witnessed Don flip a restaurant from Pepsi to Coke in the span of one conversation, he convinced Don to move to Pepsi. Don then worked his way up to the position of General Manager. Never satisfied with just one job, Don owned a meat cutting business, where he worked evenings. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff, was on the Rodeo Board of the Central Washington State Fair Association, and served on the Bottler’s Association National Board of Directors.
As important as work was to Don, nothing was more important than his family.
He married Carol Ann Borton in 1955. He never missed an event that sons Mike and Jeff participated in, and was often seen on the sidelines cheering on his grandchildren and then his great-grandchildren.
One of the loves of Don’s life was his 52 acre cattle ranch where he spent much of his retirement.
Don is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons Mike and Jeff (Diane); his grandchildren Dustin (Katie) Trammell, Chad Trammell, Megan (Marcus) Brown and Melissa Trammell and his great-grandchildren Tatum and Jackson Trammell and Carson and Cody Brown. Don is also survived by his brothers Ed (Glenis), Paul, Gary and sister Sandy Moultray, along with his brother in law Bill (Marla) Borton and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and infant son, Kim Patrick, in-laws Byron and Leone Borton, Judy Trammell and Bob Borton.
Don believed in Yakima. When any of his family returned home from a trip, he would always say, “Welcome back to God’s country,” and he meant it.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to the Yakima Family YMCA or the West Valley Fair.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at West Side Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Viewing will be held Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Friday, July 12 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com
