Donald E. Birkett, 85

Donald passed away Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011. He was born Jan. 26, 1926, to Arthur and Louise (Toll) Birkett. He was raised in Newport, Ky., and went into the Navy at age 17.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Anthony during World War II. After returning home from the war, he met and married the love of his life Margie (Donaworth) on Aug. 5, 1946; they just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Together they raised six children in Elsmere, Ky. Later they moved their family to Redondo Beach, Calif., where he was employed at TWA until he retired in 1982. He enjoyed playing baseball, bowling and golf, and loved watching most sports, especially football and hockey in which he never missed a game. In 1993, Don and Margie moved to Coeur d'Alene where they lived for the last 18 years. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge, Hayden, until he became ill.

He is survived by his wife, Margie; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Rob Murphy of Hayden; daughter and son-in-law Vicki and John Murphy of Stanfield, Ore.; son and daughter-in-law Tom and Toni Birkett of Lytle Creek, Calif.; son Larry Birkett and Rick of Rancho Mirage, Calif.; and daughter and son-in-law Sherri and Kurt Kaufman; 14 grandchildren: Tina, Tanya, Sean, Megan, Gisselle, Monzerat, Pete, Vidiana, Jenni, Tom, John, Tammy, Kali and Matt; and 19 great-grandchildren: Braxton, Bridger, Savannah, Bryson, Emma, Bradyn, Morgan, Cooper, Kolbie, Bekkem, Deegan, Maddox, Alexia, Jacob, Blake, Reis, Josh, Chris and Ashley.

He was preceded in death by son Terry.

Memorial services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 Haycraft, Coeur d'Alene, reception to follow at the church.