Donald Joseph Richter

Donald Joseph Richter passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2015 in Centralia, WA. Donald was born to Jack and Ruth (Fletcher) Richter on January 4, 1922 in Centralia. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Centralia and graduated from Centralia High School. He then attended Centralia College and the University of Washington for pilot training. From 1942 to 1945 Donald proudly served our country in the US Army Air Corps as a 1st LT, Pilot of a C47 in the 9th Combat Cargo Squad, involved in flying drop missions over Burma. Donald married Edith Smaciarz on October 12, 1946 in Pe Ell. He then worked as an Auto Mechanic and Car Salesman at Ed S. Mays and Campbell’s in Centralia until his retirement.

Donald enjoyed camping, traveling in his RV, wood working, photography and especially the years spent with his wife Edith, family and friends at their vacation home on Carlyon Beach. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for 60 plus years, Knights of Columbus for 75 years and the Centralia American Legion Post 17 for 70 years.

The family would like to thank Sabrina, Jessica and the staff at Hillview/ Lander house for their kind and compassionate care they provided Don for the past 2 ½ years.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, wife Edith, brothers; Jack, Frank and Harold, and sister Stella.

He is survived by sister Margaret Williams of Dupont, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, March 13th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chehalis with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers memorials may be donations to St. Joseph’s School in Chehalis or JBLM Fisher House at 9999 Wilson Ave., Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433 or www.fisherhouse-jblm.org .