Donald Duane Drayton Jr.

Donald D. Drayton Jr., 81, passed away Nov. 18, 2011, at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center. At his request there will be no service.

Don was born Nov. 19, 1929, in Danville, Ill, to Donald D. and Lucille Miller Drayton Sr. As a youngster, he attended school in Portland, Ore., graduating from
Benson Tech.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. While in the Army, stationed at Hanford, he continued to develop his lifelong talent as a master mechanic. Don would help friends or stranded
strangers alike, using anything available to repair the vehicle. Dad was the original machinery, “baling wire and chewing gum” was always the quick fix “joke” until a suitable option was available. Don worked as a mechanic all his life in the Valley, from having his own
commercial garage to retiring from Boise.

Dan’s passion was car racing. He raced at many tracks around the Pacific Northwest. From the dirt
tracks to oval tracks then the first few demo derbies at
the Walla Walla Fair, the #38 car was a familiar icon.

In the later years, Sundays were spent watching racing on TV. He also enjoyed hunting, boating and snowmobiling. Know as “Bald Eagle” he was always there to
help anyone.

Don was an original member of the Walla Walla R.E.A.C.T Search and Rescue Club, and member of the
BPO Elks in Milton-Freewater.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel, of 33 years, at the home; son, Don and Mary Drayton of Boardman; daughter, Vicki Lynn and Howard Remick of Clatskanie,
Ore; daughter, Lori Brown of Walla Walla; daughter, Debbie and Mike Russell of Tollgate; son,
Dale Partin of Centralia; sister, Delores Wellman of Pendleton; brother, David Drayton of Portland, Ore.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Jean Brooker; and son, Randy Partin.