On April 13th, 2025, Donald “Don” E. Parchen Sr. (86) passed away surrounded by family and loved ones.

Don was born in Clinton, Iowa on February 9th, 1939, to parents Kenneth John and Agnes Sabina Parchen. He was one of six children, with brothers Kenny, LeeRoy, Wayne, and Keith, and a sister, Jennie Parchen.

He moved with his family into a trailer in White Bluffs, Washington in 1944 during the war so his father could work at Hanford. Later on, his family moved into Richland where he attended Sacajawea Elementary, Chief Jo Junior High, and Columbia High School where he graduated in 1957.

After graduation, he went into the Air Force where he was stationed in Klamouth Falls, Oregon. In late summer of 1958, he met Patricia “Patty” E. Shields at the home of the Carlton family in Kennewick. They dated and were married in 1959, at Richland Lutheran Church. Soon after, they began their family, eventually having two sons and a daughter. They were married for 44 years until Patricia’s passing in 2003. After the Air Force, he worked at Hanford as an instrument specialist until his retirement. Family meant everything to Don—he cherished his role as a father, grandfather, brother, and family man. His retirement years were filled with laughter, love, and the joy of being with family and friends.

Later on in life, he met and fell in love with Kathy Schouler, his partner for the last 18 years of his life. The two shared a deep dedication to their work with the local American Legion, a cause they both cared for deeply.

Don was a caring and kind soul whom everyone loved that met him throughout his life. You would never see him without one of his favorite hats or his signature coffee thermos. He had a deep love for the outdoors—whether it was white-water rafting, hunting, or fishing, he was truly in his element. He was a true outdoorsman at heart.

He was also known to love old country music, coin collecting, and metal detecting. He was a big sports fan and played city league basketball and Triple “O” softball as a young adult. He loved to watch the professional games on TV throughout his life (especially football and basketball) but would also be found supporting his local bomber games whenever he could. When he wasn’t able to attend in-person, you would catch him listening to the games on one of his old radios.

Later on in life, he worked with the American Legion where he continued his service to his country as a Post Commander for 5 years for the American Legion Post 115 in Benton City, Washington.

His wife, Patty Parchen, parents, brothers Kenny and LeeRoy, sister Jennie, and son Don Parchen Jr., preceded Don in death.

Don is survived by his partner of 18 years, Kathy Schouler, brothers Wayne (Lauren) and Keith Parchen, son Rob Parchen (Peggy), daughter Debbi Krisher (Kraig), grandchildren Angela (Adam), Becky (Michael), and Eric (Veronica) Parchen, Kevin (Katie) and Amanda Krisher, and 6 great granddaughters.

Graveside services will be held at Resthaven Cemetery in Richland on Friday April 25th, at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Don’s memory to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy/Hospice, American Legion, or to a children’s charity of your choice.