DONALD RAY PRECECHTEL

Don passed away November 9, 2024, in the presence of loving family members. He was born December 28, 1941, in Nocona, Texas to Konstantine (Connie/Lucky) and Peggy Sue Hillard. Don’s early school years were spent in Texas. His family moved often because his father Lucky served in the military. His junior high years were spent in San Fransisco. These were important years to Don as this was the first school where he was able to spend three full years without having to move! During this time Don was awarded a trophy for All City Athlete of the Year. He excelled in track and his trophy is still on display at Aptos Junior High. Go Tigers! The family arrived at Camp Hanford in 1957. Don graduated from Richland High School (Col-Hi) and married the love of his life Jannette. They had 60 wonderful years together before Jannette passed away in 2019.

Their little family moved to Kent, WA in 1966, where Don worked at Boeing until they returned to Richland in 1974, where he was employed at Hanford as a principal engineer. During this busy time, Don earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Washington State University. Go Cougs! He retired February 2002. Don and Jannette thoroughly enjoyed their motor home trips to Cougar games, the Oregon Coast, and vacations to other western states. Their cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the trip through the Panama Canal are among their favorite memories, along with their trip to Slovakia.

Don loved to ski and looked forward each year to the “guys” ski trip. After retiring he loved reading historical books. One of his favorite pastimes was watching documentaries on the History Channel. Over the past years Don and Jannette were “Snow Birds” in Yuma, AZ, where they spent time with family and friends. Don loved golfing and playing cards, and just enjoying the sunshine away from the brrrr cold freeze of the Tri Cities.

Don was always ready to lend a helping hand. He truly had a heart of gold. His family brought him the greatest joy. He loved being a Grandpa. Don loved all the pool parties Jannette and he hosted over the years. He enjoyed being the Master Barbecuer.  Almost all the young family members learned to swim in their pool.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Lucky and Peggy Precechtel, his loving wife Jannette, his brother Carl “Sparky,” brothers in-law Bob Leanderson and Bob Miles.

Don was loved and will be missed by his daughter and son-in-law Kelly and Thomas Bright, and his son Michael; grandchildren Danielle and Steven Loskot, Makena, Jordan, Ashley, Cody, and great grandsons Thomas and Curtis. His sisters and brothers-in-law Joann and J.R. Wilbur, Connie and Dick Beutler, Peggy Leanderson, and Sharon Miles. His sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Dorothy Hout, Marion and Jim Morgan, and Charlene and Mike Helle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don would not want you to mourn him but remember the good times and there were many.

On Tuesday, November 26, the family invites you for a viewing at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home from   10 am to 12, with Don’s memorial service to follow.

“No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.” Author unknown.

Knowing that Don and Jannette are reunited and in God’s loving grace, we are at peace.