Donald Robert Shaver

Donald Robert Shaver, 92, of Yakima, passed away Friday, May 13, 2016 at his residence. Don was born on January 24, 1924 in McDonald, Kansas to William and Mabel (Pickett) Shaver. He was the first of four children. He was raised in McDonald, Kansas, and at the age of thirteen, the family moved to Washington in 1937 and settled in Wapato. Don attended the Wapato schools until he joined the Army Cavalry in 1943. He was stationed at Fort Riley, KS until 1946. After his discharge he returned to Wapato where he met and married the love of his life, Barbara John, in September 1946 which lasted a life span of 69 years.

They started a family in 1947 with the birth of their first daughter Diane, and a second daughter Dona to follow in 1952.

Don worked for the Evaporator in Wapato for 25 years before moving his family to Terrace Heights in 1963. He then worked for Jim's garage (Upper Valley Farm Service) in Tieton, delivering farm equipment throughout the Yakima Valley and surrounding areas for 25 years before retiring in 1990.

Don loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler and horseback rider. He enjoyed hunting at the Martin family cabin with his grandson's, niece and nephew Gary and Anita Martin. He enjoyed many summers fishing, camping, boating and teaching all the kids how to water ski at O'Sullivan Resort. Don loved winter time so he could snowmobile in the hills with his family and friends. He taught his grandkids how to ride the arctic cat, (kitty kat) at a very young age. He loved traveling across the country in their motor home taking many family trips.

Don's love of horses landed him in the Highland & Wenas Saddle Clubs for many years. Don participated and volunteered for many play days. He made many lifelong friends that he was forever grateful for. He especially enjoyed the many campouts and trail rides throughout the years, always taking Barbara along to be the cook. He especially loved seeing the children ride and it always put a smile on his face. Don always enjoyed the poker runs and received an award for being the oldest rider at age 85.

During his retirement years he spent over 20 years volunteering at the Oak Creek Feeding Station in Naches, WA for John McGowan. He spent many of his Saturday's feeding and meeting many people from around the state. He always enjoyed sharing with everyone about the elk. Don received a Volunteer achievement award for serving 20 years.
Don spent many hours working in his woodworking shop making many priceless birdhouses, wagons, benches, doll cradles and bunk beds and other miscellaneous special things. He spent more time giving away his work at craft shows than selling it. Many friends and family members will cherish these items forever. He also enjoyed collecting antiques from many places far and wide. One of his prized possessions was the windmill that he brought back from the family farm in Kansas that stood in his pasture for many years. People passing by on the highway always spotted where Don lived because of that windmill.
Don was not only a special grandpa or papa to his family but many other children as well.
Don was a very kind, giving and thoughtful Husband, Father, Grandfather & Friend to all that had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by all!

He is lovingly survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Barbara. His daughter Diane (Brent) Jones, Grandchildren: Candi Todd, of Spokane, Ryan Siebol, Brandon (Angela) Siebol, all of Yakima. Great Grandchildren: Taylor, Kody, Colton, Kaiden, Megan, Bridget, Emily, Emma & Kylie. Step Grandchildren: Gary (Sherri), Brent Jr. (Janet), Andrew (Kristen) Jones and families. His Brother: Jack Shaver and a sister Louise Shaver, a son-in-law Gary Siebol, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many beloved lifetime friends.

Don was preceded in death by his loving daughter Dona Siebol, parents William & Mabel Shaver and a brother Dean Shaver.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 12:00pm - 5:00p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA. Funeral Services will be held Friday May 20, 2016, 1:30 p.m, at the First Baptist Church, Union Gap, 2706 S 2nd St, Union Gap. Burial will follow at West Hills Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Children's Village, in care of Brookside Funeral Home, P.O. box 1267, Moxee, WA. 98936.

SERVICES

Funeral service
Friday, May 20, 2016
1:30 PM
First Baptist Church,
2706 S 2nd St, Union Gap
, WA 98903