Donald HOBBS

1933 - 2023

Kennewick - Donald Vernon Hobbs passed away January 29, 2023, at Fleur De Lis adult family home in Kennewick, WA, with his children and family at his side. He was born in Yakima, WA, on February 14, 1933, to Claude and Katherine Rood-Hobbs. He was part of the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, and Order of the Arrow. He attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1950. Don graduated from Highland High School in 1951 where he also participated in boxing and tennis.  Don graduated with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Washington State University in Pullman, WA. He is a member of the lifetime Washington State University Alumni Association.  Don married Lois Alderman in 1957 and started his first job at Bi-Mart pharmacy in Sandpoint, ID. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1958. His first duty station was in Puerto Rico and then moved to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC serving as a pharmacist at both posts. After his military career, he returned to Pasco, WA, where he met and married June Krueger Hobbs on August 2, 1962. Don enjoyed playing in a slow-pitch softball league and was on a bowling team for several years.  Don had the honor of being appointed to the Board of Pharmacy for Washington State in 1991 by Governor Booth. He served 2 4-year terms and was Chairman of the Washington State Pharmaceutical Association in the year 2000. Don worked at Bio-Compound in Kennewick WA until his retirement in 2022. Don was a pharmacist for 64 years and it was truly his passion.  Don and June purchased Kermitz Pharmacy and opened a second store, 14th Avenue Pharmacy, both located in Pasco. Don served as President of the Columbia Basin Shriners Hospital and graduated from the International Shriners Clown Association. He participated in many parades and events for them and loved every moment. He is a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge and a lifetime adviser for Job's Daughter.  Don was preceded in death by his wife June, his son Greg, and his parents. He was survived by his son Ron, wife Cathy Riddle, daughter Debbie, husband Randy Hooper, his brother Jerry Hobbs, 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank the Fleur Di Lis Adult Family Homeowners, staff, and many Visiting Angels who treated Don with the utmost respect and love. Their compassion towards his family helped them through the most difficult days and nights. They also thank Heartlink Hospice for their dedication. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital. There will be a viewing at 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am, to be held at First Lutheran Church, 530 Bonneville St. in Pasco. The interment will be at 2:30 pm at the Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick at the Mausoleum.