Donald Charles Athearn

WILLIAMS – Donald Charles Athearn, age 76, died peacefully the morning of August 10, 2008 after experiencing a stroke. He was surrounded by his family. Born December 13, 1931 in Oakland, California, Don grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He later joined the United States Air Force and took part in the Korean War. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Joanne Shirley Wind (Windy). Until the day he died, he carried the photograph of Windy in her Nurses Uniform in his wallet. After being Honorably Discharged from the service, Don went on to become a Sergeant in the Rialto Police Department for 30 years. In 1985, Don and Joanne decided to escape the hustle and bustle of California and moved to Williams, Oregon, where Don then proceeded to build the house of his dreams with his own hands. An avid gardener, Don then cultivated a garden so big that his family never had to worry about running out of vegetables.

Surviving Don, is his wife of 55 years, Windy and his three beloved children: Karen Fogg of Williams, Oregon; Scott Athearn of San Jacinto, California; and Kathleen Thorpe, of Highland, California. He also leaves behind four grandchildren who he always made laugh with his stories of “Sinbad the Sailor” and “ ‘Nude-Nick’ of the North”: Kelly Fogg-Johnson, Jennifer Athearn, Amy Fogg, and William Thorpe. His family will forever remember him as a stubborn but loving man with a pipe in his mouth who always was ready for a good chuckle.

A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors. Graveside services for Don will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2008 at Gotcher Cemetery with Pastor Russ Millsaps officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.