Donald Lee Champoux Obituary (2025)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Lee Champoux, on April 10, 2025 in Yakima, Washington. Born on December 2, 1938, in Moxee, Washington, to David and Cecelia (Desmarais) Champoux. He served in the United States Army, as a helicopter mechanic and pilot with some classified work at Hanford. While stationed in Texas in 1958, he was Elvis' personal driver! Don spent a short stint working on boats at a marina in Seattle, Washington, and as a long-haul truck driver. His main and ending career was working for various hop farms in the Moxee Valley, namely Lee Desmarais Farms and 35 years for Van Horn Farms. He was a handyman of many traits and helped many friends with various projects. Don married Pat (Moss) Ripley in 1988. He was a dedicated fan of Mariner baseball, Nascar racing, and the former Yakima Speedway. He enjoyed camping up in the mountains with his horse friends and cooked the best breakfast with hashbrowns (with bacon grease). He would even occasionally get on a horse for a short enjoyable ride. He loved following his wife and her girlfriends during their mounted drill team years and helping at numerous raffle rides in the Nile. His most recent ride was his white convertible Roush Mustang, where he was a member of the Sun Country Mustang Club. He was also a member of the Terrace Heights Grange, especially enjoying their Bingo nights, where he was usually a winner! Don had 39 years of sobriety under his belt. Don's second home was Sharp's Gas Station in Moxee, where he spent many hours with Brad and Dave Sharp and Beto. Don had a heart for animals and loved his special pets, boxers, Caillou, Sherman and J.R., which he outlived. Don is survived by his wife, Pat, sons, Chris (Erica) Ripley, Philip Champoux, and Jeff (Marie) Champoux, and stepson, Shawn Ripley, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his beloved Shih tzu, Rowdy. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Theresa Laurent, Alan Champoux, Estelle Murphy, Bernice Reinders, and Gerald Champoux and his daughter, Natalie Dee Champoux. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 12:00pm, at the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Moxee. A luncheon will follow at the Terrace Heights Grange Hall (3701 W. Birchfield Rd, Yakima). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sort 4 the Cause (1781 Beane Rd, Moxee, WA 98936), in Don's memory. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.