Eugene Doner

January 21, 1934 - January 28, 2022

Eugene Charles Doner (Gene) passed away on January 28, 2022 at the Veterans hospital in Spokane, Washington. Gene was born on January 21, 1934 ( in his Grandmother Lucys kitchen) in Rush, Wisconsin to George and Theone Doner. Gene’s father George moved the family to Wenatchee, Washington in 1945 and then on to Okanogan, Washington where his father George started the Columbia Valley Millworks Company. In 1951 Gene married an Omak girl (Artis M. Riggs) and then went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Gene served on board the hospital ship (USS Okanogan) in Korea during that war. Gene quickly gained rank in the Navy becoming the youngest E-8 Chief in the West PAC Fleet. During the Vietnam War Gene was in charge of a riverboat. While on a mission on the Perfume River he lost sight in one of his eyes from the injuries he received while in contact from hostile forces. Gene received a medical retirement in 1968. Gene returned to Okanogan to assist his father upgrading machinery at the Columbia Valley Millworks. This was a great benefit to the company due to Gene’s experience as a machinist in the Navy. Gene served as Deputy Sheriff for Okanogan County for 5 years then going on to work for Whitey Fuel driving a fuel truck. He finally retired in 2015 as the oldest one-eyed tanker driver in the State. Gene was preceded in death by his wife Ardy. Gene is survived by his three sons Greg, Gerry and Wayne Doner, two sisters Audrey Conkle, Barbara Coppock, brother Mike Doner and Grandchildren. Gene’s family invites anyone interested to join our family in a celebration of his life. Gene will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife Ardy of 66 years in the Okanogan Cemetery on July 10th, 2022 at 11:00 AM. A Gathering in Gene's memory will be held at the Okanogan Eagles following the graveside service.