Donald A. Desmarais

Donald A. Desmarais 82, a longtime resident of Mabton Washington, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026.

Don was born on September 29, 1943 to Jerome and Elizabeth Desmarais. He was the second of nine children. Don graduated from Sunnyside high school, where he met and later married the love of his life Barbra (Babs) Dohrman October 31, 1965. They would go on to have three girls, Dhawn, Reggi, and Regina. Sadly he would lose his beloved to cancer in 1984. Before Babs’ death Don became a born again Christian and begun his journey studying and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Sharing not only in words but in his actions. Don later found a companion in Betsy Kinker and they married in 1998 until her death in 2020.

Don enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, hunting mushrooms, flying RC airplanes, camping, riding his quad with his friends and family. He loved to invent and tinker. He was an all-around jokester too.

Don worked in the hop industry managing John I Haas, and L & R farms in Mabton Washington. Don was an innovator in the farming industry. He went on to work on innovative projects.

Don is survived by his daughters Reggi Carlson (Tom), Regina Desmarais, and his siblings Gary Desmarais; Sharon Mariotti (Steve) Cindy Heydt (David), Tom Desmarais (Audrey); Tim Desmarais (Pam); and his close friend Carter Miller.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Elizabeth (Betty) Desmarais, his beloved wife Babs Desmarais, sister-in-law Rita Desmarais, sister Debra Beasly, wife Betsy Desmarais, brother Kerry Desmarais, brother Dennis Desmarais, and daughter Dhawn Becker.

A celebration of  life for Don, will to be held Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 11:00 am. at Grace Church in Mabton  428 B St Mabton WA 98935. A private inurnment will be held at a later date in Cle Elum. Those wishing to sign Don’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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