Donald Dean Hamper, Sr.

Donald Dean Hamper Sr., was born June 7, 1931, in Walla Walla, to Wilbur Dean and Elizabeth Ilene Krumbach Hamper. Don died May 13, 2012 at 80 years old in his home after a long battle with lung cancer. A graveside service will be conducted by Father Patrick Kerst of St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Mountain View Cemetery on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 2 p.m. Viewing will be held at Herring Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Donations can be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

Don attended local schools and graduated from Wa-Hi in 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950 and was in the Helicopter Rescue Division. He traveled Europe extensively during his tour. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He married Darlene Johnson in 1955, they were later divorced. Don became a carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in 1957 and retired in 1989 after 32 years of service. In 1958, he married Joanna L. Zaro, in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. In 1988, he and his wife bought Modern Business Forms.

It was sold in 1992. He began work for the Valley Transit in 1989, and later retired. Don enjoyed family holidays, shooting his many guns and helping family any way possible. When he was younger he enjoyed riding horses and taking his family to compete in junior rodeos. He also enjoyed Harley rides with his son Mitch to Sturgis. He was a member of the NALC Union and the NRA. He was a past member of the Wagon Wheelers, Pioneer Posse, Elks Lodge 2146, and the AFLC Union.

He is survived by his wife, Joanna; his son, Donald Dean Hamper Jr.; his daughter, Elizabeth Lynn and Richard Langley of Milton-Freewater; his daughter-in-law, Sandra Hamper of Prosser; five granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his Yorkie, Duke. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mitchell Hamper in January of 2012; and his brother-in-law, David Miotke in 1991.