Don French left this earth and went to his eternal Home on March 25, 2020, he was 92. Donald Robert French was born to John Kenneth (JK) and Kathryn French in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 21, 1928. He spent his childhood along with his four sisters in Waterloo and Toddville, Iowa. The family moved to Oregon before Don’s senior year in high school so he spent his senior year at Gresham High School, graduating in 1946. He then attended Seattle Pacific College and Los Angeles Pacific College, one year at each. He loved sports and played baseball and basketball in high school and college.

Don lived, worked and started a family of three children (Kathy, Ken and Debbie) in Portland, Oregon and then moved to Kent, Washington, and began working at Boeing. He met the love of his life Darlene Rodeen at the Kent- Meridian Nazarene Church and they were married on July 3, 1964. The following year he enrolled at Seattle Pacific University in order to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a teacher. He graduated in 1969 and began teaching fifth grade in Enumclaw that fall. He taught one year at JJ Smith school and 22 years at Southwood. During this time, he also completed three more years of college. He loved teaching, always striving to help each student become their very best.

He was loved and respected by the students, parents and faculty. He also coached football, basketball and baseball at the elementary level. During this time two other children (Jeffrey and Kimberly) brought much joy as they were added to the family.

Don loved fishing—lakes, rivers, ocean. Fishing trips with the family were enjoyed each summer. Don felt that these times of fishing were opportunities to appreciate God’s beautiful creation and also to enjoy times of fellowship with family and friends.

Don was an active member of the Enumclaw Nazarene Church, serving in many various capacities—the longest being Sunday School Superintendent for 22 years. In this capacity, he diligently worked at training the teachers, having exciting contests, any way he could help the church grow. He sang in a men’s quartet, served many years on the church board, loved taking new people out to lunch, organized many events—always serving God through serving people.

Don and Darlene traveled extensively in the U.S.—several times attending international church events where Don loved meeting people from other countries. Some of these people became friends and later came to visit in the States. We were privileged to be part of seven mission trips—India, Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, Madagascar, and two times to Mozambique. After Don retired in 1992, Don and Darlene went to Chiba, Japan, to teach English at Japan Christian Junior College. Four wonderful years were spent there.

After returning from Japan, Don spent his time fishing and enjoying time with family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, J.K. and Kathryn French; his son, Kenneth; and three sisters, Colleen, Norma and Phyllis. He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Enumclaw; four children, Kathy Carter of Portland, Oregon, Debra (John) Wytko of Buckley, Jeffrey (Maggie) of Bonney Lake, and Kimberly (Chris) of Enumclaw; 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn Jordan of Jackson, Alabama; and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Hospice and the three caregivers who so lovingly cared for Don.

Don was a kind, loving, generous, compassionate, sometimes humorous man who loved God and people. Don was a devoted family man. He will be greatly missed by all but are reminded that “Those who love God never meet for the last time.” (Eric Liddell)

A memorial service will be held at a later time. Please share a memory of Don on the tribute wall at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.