Joseph Donald McPherson

Don was born June 16, 1932, in Laramie, Wyo., to Joseph Addison and Eula Irene (Schick) McPherson.

He loved growing up in that small community, where neighbors were close- knit. When he was younger, he was a member of the Boy Scouts.

He loved the outdoors, and told us all stories of the great fun he had going out on the prairie to hunt for arrowheads; and time spent fly- fishing with his father. He loved traveling; camping; sightseeing; picknicking; and sledding with family and friends. He loved spending time with his family, especially watching his kids play in Little League; Football; Basketball; and Cross Country/ Track.

Don graduated from Laramie High School in 1950, and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Wyoming in 1954. He continued his education at the University, achieving his Masters of Science in Civil Engineering in 1956. He served our country bravely in the US Army from 1956 to 1958, spending two years at the Presidio of San Francisco as part of a Topographic Survey Battalion.

He married the love of his life, Mary Binnie Long, at the Church of Christ in Laramie on June 12, 1955. The couple had four children- Joe, Steve, Dave, and Jill. Don told the kids that his thought when meeting their mom was “this girl is something very special,” and that it was love at first sight! He and Mary loved the Lord. The pair spent hours discussing God’s attributes and what are we in Him and what He has done for us. His favorite scripture was Philippians 4: 6, 7 “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

Don was employed for one year by the Howard Needles, Tammen, and Bergdorf Engineering Firm in Kansas City, Mo., followed by J.T. Banner and Associates Engineering in Laramie from 1959- 1969. He retired in 1995 from Centralia College after a rewarding 26 year career as a Professor of Civil Engineering.

Don was kind and thoughtful; always looking for ways to help his neighbor widows and others in need. He was a sweet and precious man that always took an interest in other people, and looked for ways to make their lives better.

Don is survived by his children; grandchildren, Charissa, Nathaniel, Michelle, Sarah, Jordyn, Collin, Aidan, Kyle, Kirsten, and Kenny; eight great- grandchildren; and his brother, David.

Don was laid to rest at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis. His family will hold a private service at a later date.