Donald D. Stookey, Lewiston native and Moscow businessman, passed peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in his Moscow home. He was 89.

Don was born Nov. 16, 1923, to Lora Dick and Gwendolyn Addison Stookey of Lewiston. Don grew up working in his mother's business, the Paramount Cafe next to the Liberty Theatre on Main Street in Lewiston, during the Great Depression. Some of his fondest childhood memories include selling strawberry sodas to moviegoers, and being served his favorite meal consisting of a grilled cheese sandwich and milkshake while reading his comic book on break from washing dishes. He also spent countless hours playing on an inner tube in the Lewiston slough before the levee system was installed along the Clearwater and Snake rivers. Don and his mother frequently "lived" at the Lewis-Clark Hotel, where he was allowed to park his bike in the lobby, being one of the youngest "residents" of the plush hotel.

Don graduated cum laude from Lewiston High School in the early 1940s; he graduated from Lewiston Normal School and later the University of Idaho. While attending the normal school he met and married Eva Jean Cook of Kooskia. The two were married in Stevenson, Wash., in 1947. The newlyweds resided in Rochester, Wash., where Don taught English for a few years. Complaining of the gray skies, the couple returned to Idaho to make their home in Nezperce. Don managed the Nezperce Processing Co. and served as the town's mayor for a time.

In 1966, the family decided to move to Moscow to put their four sons through college. Don managed the Dumas Seed Company feed store for a number of years. In 1970, Don and Eva purchased the old John O'Donnell seed processing plant at D and Jackson streets in Moscow. Stookey's Feed and Garden grew to be a well-respected family-operated business in Moscow. Don and Eva remodeled the old pea picking room of the plant into their family home in 1976. Don and Eva retired from working in 1991 when their eldest son, William (Bill), and his wife, Jamie, took over the business. Bill unexpectedly passed in 2003 and the business closed in 2007. Eva passed in 1997 from emphysema and Don was a diligent caregiver by her side during her illness.

Don loved his pets and had many dogs and cats that ruled his world. Don also enjoyed eating out and having a beer after an afternoon swim with his good friend, Mary Blanton, during his later years. Don was a member of the Scottish Rite, the Shrine and the Elks Lodge.

Don was preceded in death by his eldest son, Bill, and his wife, Eva. He is survived by his sons, John of New York, Miles of Spokane Valley and Jake of San Francisco; four grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

No public services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in Don's memory to the Northwest Children's Home in Lewiston.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.