Donald Waldo Williams

1932 - 2023

1932 - 2022

Donald Waldo Williams, known to his loved ones as Don, passed away on December 5, 2022, in Vancouver, WA, at the age of 90. He was born on May 29, 1932, in Chehalis, Lewis, WA, to his parents Henry (Hank) J Williams and Belle Williams (Music). Don's father worked as a logger, which led the family to move around. They resided in SilverLake, WA, Cathlament, WA, Portland, OR, and finally settled in Kalama in 1944. Don called Kalama his home until the end of 2019, after which he resided in a nursing facility until his passing.

In 1954, Don married M. Marie Wagoner in Tacoma, WA. Don had a playful nature and loved to tease people, especially his mother-in-law, Mable. He took pride in his large garden. Don enjoyed helping with canning, making holiday candy, camping and smoking salmon. His family jokingly claimed that he loved his garden and motorhome more than his wife. Don was known to be generous to a fault.

Don is survived by his daughter, Vicki Williams (Joe) of Oysterville, WA, and his son, David Williams of Ocean Park, WA. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Bryanna (Chris) Kivela of Kalama, WA, Shawn (Heidi) Williams of Rose Valley, WA, and Morinda Williams. Additionally, Don is survived by six great-grandchildren: Nikolas, Christa, Mariella, Nicole, Grace, and Izabella. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Williams of Zapata, TX, and sister, Lois Wallace of Longview, WA.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie, his daughter Lorinda, and his sister Mary Munsey.

After graduating from Kalama High School in 1950, Don started his career at Columbia Veneer. He briefly interrupted his career to serve in the Navy from 1951 to 1953. Upon his discharge, Don returned to Columbia Veneer, also known as Pope & Talbot Plywood, where he worked until the plant's closure in 1979. He then joined Weyerhaeuser and worked there until 1994. Don served as a part-time maintenance person at the Kalama Housing Authority from 1982 to 2000.

Don enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle, camping, gardening, and canning. He also cherished spending time in Yuma, AZ, during the winter months from 2000 to 2004.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Don will be held on November 11 at 1 p.m. at Haydu Park, located at 253 Kalama River Road, Kalama, WA. Following the service, a potluck will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Kalama Fire Department or the Humane Society in Longview.

Donald Waldo Williams will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.