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Donald B. Walther, 78

1938 — 2016

Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family members on Dec. 20, 2016. Don was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Spokane where he remained a lifelong resident.

After graduation from Lewis and Clark High School, he attended Washington State University, earning a degree in Civil Engineering in 1961. His U.S. Army service followed at White Sands Missile Base, New Mexico, where he tracked missiles for the Apollo Space Program. In 1965, he married Carol Shannon, and for the next 50 years lived in Spokane and Hayden Lake, Idaho.

Following military service, Don began work until retirement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, using his engineering and managerial skills in the ongoing development of the freeway, interstate highway and bridge systems throughout the Spokane region. In his professional career, he was valued for his integrity, his being a bit of a maverick, and his encouragement of those who worked with and for him.

Don had a full life, rich with activities and connections to many people — especially family and longtime friends.

In his early years, he coached Little League Baseball and earned his private pilot’s license. Later he enjoyed snow skiing, hunting, tennis, golf, boating at Hayden Lake and travel. He had a special “Coug” loyalty to his alma mater WSU, serving on the Cougar Club Board and attending many athletic events. Winters were often spent in Mexico and Palm Desert, Calif.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Herbert Walther, Spokane. He is survived by his wife, Carol; and his brother, Wayne (Judy) Walther of Spokane. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Dorothy Shannon; brother-in-law Chuck (Paddy) Shannon; sisters-in-law Suzanne Shannon, Kathleen (Pat) Dix, Colleen Shannon and Mary (Dave) Storr; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service honoring Don’s life will be held 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E. Rockwood Blvd., Spokane.

Memorial donations in Don’s name may be made to WSU Foundation, P.O. Box 641925, Pullman, WA 99164; or Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.