DONNIE TWITTY

Kennewick, Wash.

Don Twitty, beloved son, brother, father and grandfather passed away May 22, 2014, in Kennewick, WA.

Don was born November 19, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, to Ernestine Montgomery and Harrison Twitty. He came to Richland, Washington as a 16 year old and never left the Tri-Cities. He graduated from Columbia (Richland) High School in 1971 where he became a diehard Bombers fan and met friends that he would have for his entire life.

In 1972, Don began employment at the Hanford site as a millwright retiring in 2007 after 35 years on the job.

His greatest accomplishment was that of father. He took pride in being a single dad for 16 years raising his two eldest children. He had a strict way of parenting that his children despised until they became parents themselves. Don was a wonderful example, always putting his kids first. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his children, his neighbors, Dan and Glenda Walsh and many friends. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, Don spent the holidays with his children at Jeff and Sandy Zwicker's home where they were always welcomed and loved.

Don enjoyed watching his son in the early 90's play football for Pasco Grid Kids. He could be heard from miles away yelling "Bring Home the Bacon, Steelers!" In 2011, he cheered loudly as his middle daughter, Olivia graduated from his alma mater with honors as he proudly wore his RHS shirt and hat.

Don's greatest title was that of grandfather. He loved his grandchildren more than anything in the world. He was there to see his first born grandchild, Jordin, graduate from high school this past June. Over the past three years, there was nothing more important to him than rooting for his grandson Isaiah and the Chiawana Riverhawks on Friday nights. His two youngest grandchildren, Maliyah and Devin, brightened his day each time they were around.

Don leaves behind his loving children, Eboni (Christopher) James of Vancouver, WA, Tyler (Lisa) Twitty of Pasco, WA, Olivia Twitty-Alley of Richland, WA and Destini Twitty of Kennewick, WA; grandchildren, Jordin Twitty of Seattle, WA, Isaiah Richie of Pasco, WA and Maliyah and Devin Twitty, of Pasco, WA; stepfather, George McGee of Chicago, IL; siblings, Linda Alaribe of Crowley, TX, Calvin (Alice) Twitty of Chicago, IL, Lenese Gibson of Appleton, WI, Vanessa (Harold) Griffin of Oak Park, IL and LaTonia Twitty of Homewood, IL and many nieces and nephews. Don is also survived by his second family, The Hogans, whom loved and cared deeply for him and his children.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Diane Twitty; surrogate parents, Bob & Ellie Hogan of Richland, WA and very special friends, Pat Magula of Pasco, WA, Rocky Semmern of Richland, WA and Toby Armijo of Pasco, WA.

Memorial services for Don will be held at a later date.