Donald Earl BREDWELL Obituary (2024)

Donald Earl Bredwell, known affectionately as Don and Papa, was born on July 27, 1953, in Yakima, WA, and passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, in the same city he called home for all of his life. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his sons Nicholas (Amber) and Daniel (Monica); daughter-in-law Sara; his grandchildren; Jasmyne, Samantha, Isabelle, Logan, and Alexandria; and his brother Herbert Bredwell. He also leaves behind nieces Maranda Alcarez, Christina Gaige, and Earlene Jones; nephews Cary Cooper, Ricky and Dale Gottschalk, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Bredwell; his mother, Vellete Watson; his brothers, William Ray, John, and Lyle Bredwell; and his sisters, Betty Gottschalk and Anne Babcock. Don attended Roosevelt Elementary, Franklin Middle School, A.C. Davis Senior High School, and Yakima Valley Community College. He met Sally Grimm in 1972 and married her on August 25th, 1973, recently celebrating 51 years of marriage. They welcomed their first son, Nicholas Ryan, in 1981 and their second son, Daniel Stewart, in 1984. Don was a retail clerk at Buttrey Osco Drugs, Albertsons, and Wrays Grocery for 40 years, retiring in 2008. He was also a proud union representative. He was passionate about advocating for excellent customer service and dedicated his career to helping others. His work ethic and commitment to excellence inspired those around him, and he mentored many young people in the retail industry. A man of many hobbies, Don loved spending days on the lake, catching fish, and racing H.O. slot cars with friends, family, and his H.O. Slot Car Facebook friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan but was not a big fan of Jeff Gordon #24. Don especially enjoyed sharing recipes with his friends and family, often gathering everyone for cherished moments around the dinner table. His laughter and humor would fill any room, and his wisdom was sought after by many. Christmas was a particularly special time for Don and his family, as he would bring joy to his grandchildren by carefully unwrapping each special ornament to hang on the tree. His unwavering love for family was evident in everything he did. He especially loved watching the outside house cameras to ensure the grandkids were mowing the lawn correctly. Don loved teaching his grandchildren the importance of loving life and striving to be the best they could be. Don Bredwell will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, mentoring, and love for family will continue to inspire all who knew him. Friends and family are invited to attend a service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home, 201 N. 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901. Reception to follow.