Donald "Don" Joseph Ferguson, Sr.

Donald "Don" Joseph Ferguson, Sr., 79, quietly passed away from his Keller, Washington home Monday evening, July 1, 2014 surrounded by his loving family, Donald entered into this world on January 2, 1935, in Kewa, Washington, the day after his parents: Joseph Donald and Leona V. Toulou-Ferguson joyously danced in the New Year. This may have contributed to Don's lifelong talent for the love of music, playing several instruments including guitar and banjo. A proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Don served with the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge, after which, Don attended Spokane Community College.

On December 2, 1958, Don married Betty Arnold for the first time at the Hitching Post in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; then two months later on February 6, 1959 they married again at the Catholic Church in Inchelium, Washington. A passionately devoted member of the Catholic Church, Don made annual pilgrimages to Croatia, often with one of his children alongside him. An electrician with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Don worked at both the Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph Dams, prior to his retirement. Along with his music, Don enjoyed hunting and fishing as long as he was able, but all who knew Don knew his first priority and great love was always his family.

Predeceased by his parents Joseph Donald and Leona V. Toulou Ferguson; Don's proud legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 56 years Betty Ferguson; 13 children: Donald Joseph Ferguson Jr., Perry Lee Ferguson (Vanessa), Corina Thornton (Larry), Melody Ferguson, Lili Ferguson-Clark, Mark Ferguson, Ruth Anne Ferguson, Sheila Peoples, Jack Ferguson (Grace), Brook Ferguson, Eric Ferguson (Francesca), Roma Jean Tynan (Joe) and Fauna Ferguson; 56 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers: Sol Ferguson (Darlene), Clancy Ferguson (Penny), Bill Ferguson (Barb) and Richard Ferguson; 2 sisters: Arlene Petty and Bonnie Finley (Dave) and numerous nephews and nieces.

A 7 p.m., recitation of the Rosary and Wake for Donald was held Thursday, July 3, 2014, at the Keller Community Center in Keller, with his 10 a.m., funeral Friday, July 4, 2014, at the same location. Burial followed his funeral mass in the Indian Cemetery on Kuehne Road in Keller.

Don's family requests that any gifts be given in his memory to St. Henry's Catholic Church, 590 W. Grand Coulee Ave., Grand Coulee, WA 99133.

Please sign Don's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be serving his family.