Donald Dean Rynearson, 76, died at his home Dec. 17, 2007. He was born April 25, 1931 in Emmett, Idaho to William Marlow Rynearson and Hanner Rebecca Smith Rynearson. The youngest of 11 children, Donald attended school in Emmett, Idaho. He dropped out in 1948 to serve join the U.S. Navy, in which he served 4 years, mostly aboard ship in Europe. He became a deep-sea diver as an underwater welder and salvage person. After his discharge in 1952 he moved to Prairie City, Ore., and married Bessie Inez Vinebarger on Nov. 21, 1952. The couple had four children.

Donald worked with his brother, Floyd, logging for a short time; went to work for California Pacific power company in John Day, Ore., for five years; then moved to Portland as a truck driver for Pacific Power and Light. He was transferred several times, first to Hermiston, then to Bend. After spending some time in construction, he returned to Prairie City to be near his family. He drove log truck for Bates Sawmill for four months, then back to Portland again for Pacific Power.

Donald was studying to become a lineman and, when it was time to serve his apprenticeship, went to Lebanon for three years. Upon becoming a lineman in 1964, he came to Enterprise, then moved to Milton-Freewater in 1977 to be a lineman representive in Umapine, Ore., out of Walla Walla, Washington division. He moved back to Enterprise in 1985 and worked as a service man until his retirement in 1990.

Donald liked to fish, hunt, cut wood, top trees and tend to his live-stock. He started doing wood working in the 1970’s. He and his wife started a craft business and traveled to many places for 25 years.

Donald was a life member of Eagle Cap Post 4507 of the VFW in Enterprise. While in Milton-Freewater was very active in the Lions Club serving as President several years. He also was member of Enterprise Elks Lodge for a time.

Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bessie; sons Bob and wife Dana of La Grande, Jim and Sue of Joseph, and Jeff and Darlene of The Dalles; daughter Becky of Enterprise; sister Fern and Clayton Horn of Prinville; sisters-in-law Dorothy Rynearson of Emmett, Idaho, and Norma Rynearson of Prairie City; seven grandchildren, three step-grandaughters; seven great grand children; seven step-great-grand children; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceeded in death by parents William and Becky; brothers John, Raymond, Floyd and Lewis; and sisters Zella, Louise, Dorothy and Alta.

Funeral services were held Jan. 5, 2008, at the Enterprise Community Church with Vault Interment and Military Honors at the Enterprise Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Health, the Community Church or Enterprise Cemetery Beautification in care of the Bollman Funeral Home.