Donald Eugene Corker, born Aug. 17, 1947, my husband, my partner, my friend for more than 40 years, finally achieved his well-deserved peace on Monday, July 25, 2016, at the young age of 68.
For more than seven years, he suffered the debilitating effects that resulted from serving his country and family with the U.S. Army. Don was forever proud of his commitment to his country, and often said his only regret was that he was unable to continue to serve after he became disabled. He enlisted at the early age of 19, became a long-range reconnaissance patrol ranger, and after three tours in Vietnam, he became a drill sergeant to teach other young soldiers how to survive. When he was unable to continue that occupation, he became a recruiter to bolster our country's forces. In his heart, he was a career soldier.
Don continued to serve Americans by being part of another honored profession - the police force. He belonged to the county sheriff's office in Tennessee and our Asotin City Police force. Don was a survivalist, teaching his skills to his children and to groups such as the Boy and Girl Scouts of America and other youth organizations. Other occupations included being a carpenter, a U.S. Postal Service carrier, a mill worker, a truck driver, a lifeguard, a logger and he had a hand in building many of the grain tanks we still see in and around the
Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
Most importantly to me, he was my friend, my love and a provider for and protector of his family, his children and his friends. Don could be quite stern and gruff to those who needed an attitude adjustment, but would give the shirt from his back to those in suffering. Don's love for the outdoors was second to none; Don had a deep compassion for hunting, preferably upland birds, fishing and woodcutting. Don could navigate through the wilderness where he found solitude and peace as if on a string, but put him in a shopping mall and he was lost as last year's Easter egg.
Don's only surviving sibling is Edith, who lives in California. There, he has a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He is survived by myself, Cathy; and four children, Don Jr., Joseph, Sherri and Misti; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren add to his legacy.
Don's life will be honored at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 27 at our home, 8385 Asotin Creek Road, Asotin. His family invites you to join us from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Full military honors will be given to this man for his devotion to country and flag, as well as to his family and friends.