Don was born in Wichita, Kansas. He served active duty in the US Navy from 1945 to 1946 and the Naval Reserves from 1946 to 1954. He was a journeyman lineman with Portland General Electric for 34 years and a member of the IBEW Local 125 for 68 years.
Don was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children: Elizabeth J. Wilson; and his sister: Marcella Bower. He is survived by his present and loving wife: Patricia; daughter: Sheryle Sopke (Robert) of Portland; son: Don Jr. (Jacque) of Tigard; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brother: Jim of Vancouver; and his beloved pet: Lucy.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the memory caregivers at Courtyard at Mt. Tabor and Dorina Crainic and her family for their compassionate services to Don.
No service is scheduled, per Don’s request. Private interment will be in Willamette National Cemetery with military honors. Remembrances may be made out to a charity of your choice or Paws Assisting Veterans, Inc. (PAVE), Cornelius, Oregon.
