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EPHRATA, WASHINGTON- William “Don” Thompson Sr., 93, of Ephrata passed peacefully to the Lord at Central Washington Hospital on May 23, 2016 with his grandson Richard by his side. Don was born on January 29, 1923 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Don joined the Colorado National Guard at the age of 15.  He entered WWII, where he served in the Philippines as Second Lieutenant on a re-supply ship. After the war, he converted to the Washington National Guard stationed in Ephrata and served as its commander for many years retiring as a Major.

Don married his wife of 68 years, Rowana McPherson, on April 4, 1945. He graduated from Washington State University with a Pharmacy Degree. He and his family moved to Ephrata in 1952, where they lived for the rest of their lives. He owned Don’s Pharmacy for 36 years. After he sold the drugstore, he went into relief pharmacy, then worked as an emergency room pharmacist at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, completing his pharmacy career at Super I Pharmacy at the age of 86. Don dedicated his life to his family and his business. He was a caring husband and father. He was a master woodworker, avid gardener, private pilot, HAM radio operator, and he hiked most of the Northern Cascades.  Don was a 70+ year member of the American Legion and a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church for 66 years.

He leaves behind his sister Gwen Galey of Boise, Idaho; oldest son Don Jr. (Diane), Great grandson Aiden of Ephrata; son Rod of Vaughn, MT with two grandsons, Craig (Christie) of Lynnwood, WA and great-granddaughter Kylie, and Richard (Jois) of North Bend, WA; a daughter Janice of Moses Lake; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Parks and Agatha Merry of Mitchell; and numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and three grandchildren.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, May 12 at Mitchell Cemetery with Father Rick Eldred officiating.

Friends and family are invited to the home of Kathryn Parks following the service.