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Donn THOMPSON Obituary
Donn was the son of Ed and Ruby Thompson and was native son of Spokane.
Donn was a freshman at the University of Washington when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Donn finished his freshman year and joined the Marine Corps, serving the remainder of the war fighting in the Pacific as a Marine Corps JASCO/radioman, principally with the 6th Marine Division. Donn took part in five assault landings during the "Island Hoping" campaign. During the war, Donn received a "Dear John" letter from his fiancé, who called off their engagement. Marian "Dude" Edgington wrote pen-pal letters to Donn after Donn's sister asked Marian to write to him. After the war ended, in December 1945, they finally met at Felts Field and instantly fell in love. They were married for 77 years, one month short of 78 years.
They married in April 1947. Donn and Dude raised four children, sons: Donn, George, and James, and daughter, Marianne "Missy". Missy preceded them in death.
In 1992, Donn and Dude retired to Spokane. It was in Spokane where the built their "dream home" and focused on community service, many wonderful neighbors, new friends, family and golf. Donn had the great thrill of hitting a hole-in-one in his 80s.
Donn volunteered at the Southside Senior Center, at one point serving as its president. He also volunteered at local schools and was known to students as "Papa Donn". Donn remained active with his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta.
In 2021, Donn and Dude sold their home and moved to Rockwood Retirement Center where they made new friends. Donn's "love bug" Dude preceded him in death, passing away in March of 2024.
Donn is survived by sons, Donn, George (Rebecca), and Jim (Katrina); grandchildren, Elizebeth (Brian), Samantha (Carter), Hilary (John), Trevor (Arlette), Kevin (Sara), and Cody (Kristine); and great-grandchildren, Connor, Caden, and Isla.
Burial will be held at Queen of Peace Cemetery, with a graveside service on April 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, Donn's family requests that donations be made to Rockwood Foundation to support residents of need at Rockwood Retirement Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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April 3, 2025
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Funeral services provided by:
Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services7200 N Wall Street, Spokane, WA 99208
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