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BORN
1944
DIED
2023
Donald Panther Obituary
March 19, 1944 - September 11, 2023
Surprise, Arizona - Don was born March 19, 1944, in Spokane to Glen and Mona Panther. He passed away September 11, 2023 in Arizona. He moved to Richland in 1945 and attended Richland schools until he graduated from Richland High in 1962.
He was an incredible husband to Mary, an awesome father to Stephen and Stephanie, an incredible grandfather to Erika, Monika, Gabriel, Vance, Brandon and Mia, and an adored step-father to Jeremy, Micah and Whitney. He was the best "Bumpa" ever to Karis, Jaron, Addison, Zoë, Hudson, Wyeth and Brette, and great-grandfather to Braevyn, Zamaya, and Kourtlyn.
Don was a 12-year Navy nuclear submariner who served in Admiral Rickover's nuclear navy program. He often told the story that he was thrown out of Rickover's office twice in one day. He was member of the Navy submarine crew of the Queenfish that charted the Siberian Peninsula. He taught for the nuclear sub program in Idaho Falls, ID. Don began a new career in Richland, WA working for the nuclear power plant and was the Project Manager for cleaning up and closing K West at Hanford.
Don did many things during his life: He led a Bible study on base in San Diego, drove the Sunday morning bus to pick up children to take them to church, was a turkey farmer, built a home, made elephants out of $5 bills for kids and waitress tips. Don was very active in church, serving in ministry as a deacon, an elder, a Sunday School teacher, church organist/pianist, song leader, and singer in the praise ensemble. He was a hero and advocate for children.
He loved playing Scott Joplin on the piano. Mary often teased him about missing his true calling. He could play anything on the piano by ear and that could have landed him a job on any cruise ship. He loved to make (and it was delicious) peanut brittle every Christmas and enjoyed sharing it with many friends and family. Don loved people and loved to travel. He had an infectious joy of life and always had a story to share and used puns quite often to make a point. Heaven gained and welcomed with open arms a good and faithful servant.
Don Panther was the love of Mary's life and her soul mate for 21 years. He is also survived by sisters Sharon and Pam (Al), and brothers Steve (Virginia) and Mark (Bev).
A memorial service will be held October 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Panther
Patricia Hedemark
October 13, 2023
My deepest condolences to Mary and family. I had the pleasure of knowing Don for a short while. May you all be embraced with God´s Love. Patricia Hedemark- Surprise AZ
Deb ODonnell
October 12, 2023
Mary, I am so sad to hear this news. I am out of town this weekend but you and Don will be in my thoughts.
Deb ODONNELL
Susie Oord
October 11, 2023
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. We are praying you feel comfort in God´s embrace!
Love,
The Oord Family.
Ed Hamshar
October 11, 2023
I worked with Don at 100N back when it was in operation. He was a good man and I enjoyed working with him.
-Ed Hamshar
Cindy Hudon
September 27, 2023
I worked with Don at 100N & 100k, man what a great guy to work with. He told so many stories that made us laugh & such a noble person! My heart goes out to his family!
Rhonda Nissen
September 26, 2023
I worked with Don at 100K for many, many years and he was such a kind and compassionate man. His sweet spirit and sense of fairness kept me going many days that the job became overwhelming. He will l be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Mary and Don's family during this time of loss.
Mark Jensen
September 26, 2023
I worked for many years with Don at N Reactor and the K Basins. He was a fine control room supervisor and a good man.
Jo Haberstok
September 24, 2023
Sincere condolences to Don's family and friends. I remember Don from years ago, working at Hanford. He was very knowledgeable and friendly with everyone in the group. I especially remember his great sense of humor. May your memories of times spent together and the love of family and friends comfort you at this time.
Norris and Ruth Carpenter
September 24, 2023
Dear Mary, we are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was our friend also and we offer you and your family our sincere condolences.
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