Donald was born in Molalla, Oregon to John and Bertie Yeager. He grew up in a large family of brothers and sisters and had many wonderful stories to tell of his childhood with his brothers Wilbert, Glen, Wade, Daryl; and sisters Mae and Joan. His father was a baker and Don always enjoyed a big slice of homemade hot bread dripping with butter.
Don married Lavelle Estabrook in November of 1940.
Don drove a Portland traction bus for 2 years. Billie Jean was born in 1942. For a short period he worked in Bonneville on the Dam. Don enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1944 through 1946. He was discharged with an American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal. Don came home from the war and started work for the SP&S in Stevenson, WA. The family moved to different places for his signal maintenance job until the family finally settled in Maupin, Oregon.
Don and Lovelle enjoyed lots of different outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, motorbike riding and scuba diving. They were ambulance drivers and transporters for 17 years. In the summers they were both charter boat skippers on their boat “The Pixie” in Neah Bay, Washington.
After 30 plus years with the SP&S Railroad Don retired and moved to the Portland, Oregon area. Later they moved to Mill Creek, Washington to be nearer to their daughter Billie Jean Boggs. Don was a master woodworker and created many beautiful items; nutcrackers, credenzas, fireplace mantles and patio furniture for the whole family. Those items are cherished pieces in each of the family’s homes.
For the last 3 years Don and Lovelle have lived with their daughter, Billie and her husband Dick Boggs.
Don is survived by his wife Lavelle Yeager and daughter Billie and her husband Dick, granddaughter Kellie Preston and her husband David and great granddaughter Annie Preston and great grandson Adrian Preston, Lane and Gretchen, Chase, Sydney and his remaining living brother Daryl and sister Joan and many family and friends that they have enjoyed and loved throughout his life.
“Papa” will be missed he has given us all many wonderful memories.