The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Donald ( Donnie) Richardson of Waitsburg, Wash., passed away July 5th at Booker Nursing Home in Dayton, Wash., and cremation has taken place. Don was born in Bozeman, Mont., on July 31, 1928 to James Jacob Richardson and Martha Elizabeth Neville Richa rdson. He attended Richland Grade School and graduated from Park County High School in Livingston, Mont., in 1947.

On October 25, 1947 he married Betty Lou Cox and they were divorced in 1975. They had four children: Thomas, Leslie, Deborah, and Kevin. On December 18, 1976 he married Pauline Beyer Robinson and acquired four step-children: Rick Robinson of Pine City, Wash., Larry Robinson of Spokane, Kelli Robinson Jay of Spokane, WA and Bill Robinson of Spokane, Wash.

Don worked in construction from 1956 until he retired in 1987. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local #302, #370 and #40. The many jobs he worked at took him to Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, Hawaii, and Alaska. He was a life member of Elks Lodge #287 in Walla Walla, Wash. He loved hunting with his Vizsla dogs Rachel, JD and Trapper. He also loved to go fishing and watch football and basketball on TV. He was a perfectionist and loved working in his yard, in his vegetable garden and in his home.

Don is survived by his wife Pauline ( Polly) at Waitsburg; his children Thomas Richardson of Walla Walla; Leslie (Laurie) of Waitsburg; Deborah Richardson Rubio of Walla Walla; Kevin (Audrey) Richardson of Salem, Ore.; two sisters: Betty Metcalf of Fairbanks, AK; and Phyllis (Kent) DeVore of Helena, Mont. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and one aunt. In 1987 at a family reunion there were 105 relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother James Richardson, sister Opal Eggert, sister Lois Bailey, nephew David Durgan, nephew Randy Richardson, stepson Rick Robinson, sister-in-law Jean Berthiaume, and brother-in-law Paul Beyer.

A potluck memorial dinner celebrating his life will be held on his birth date July 31st at the Ye Town Hall in Waitsburg from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. Only salads and desserts are requested.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Booker Nursing Home - 1012 S. Third Street in Dayton, WA 99328 or The St. Mary's Cancer Center - 401 W. Poplar St. - Walla Walla, WA 99362.