Donald L. Harker

Donald Leslie Harker was born in Sunnyside, Washington, on August 24,1938.  He passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following a courageous battle against Cancer.  Donald was the son of Chester Cecil “Ted” Harker and Marie Gertrude Huffman Harker.

He grew up attending the Granger School District, having made many lifelong friendships with his classmates.  Growing up on a small family farm, he learned the value of a strong work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life.  It was also at this time he developed his love of hunting and fishing.

After his high school graduation in 1956 he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and in June of 1957, he came back to the valley to marry his sweetheart Dorothy Blaine.  Following his years of service, he began his life-long career with Roza Irrigation District, retiring in 1998.  During his tenure there he held many positions and was actively involved with the Laborers Local 214.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed numerous trips that included camping, hunting, fishing, and waterskiing with family and many friends who were—and still are—considered family. During this time, he also became involved with Ducks Unlimited, where he held many leadership positions and helped organize numerous annual banquets. One of Don’s greatest joys and accomplishments, as well as one of his favorite hobbies, was tending to his beautiful flower gardens and lawn. It is easy to say he was an outdoorsman in every sense of the word.

Soon after Don and Dorothy retired, they became snowbirds and wintered each year in Yuma, Arizona.  It was there that Don took up golfing and Jeeping in the desert, two of his favorite things during their time in Arizona.  He has missed being in Arizona the last couple of winters, but he is now living in eternal sunshine.

Don is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his children, Sheri and Michael Mills of Black Diamond, Washington; Mike and Nanette Harker of Reno, Nevada; Lori Tayon of West Richland, Washington; and Terri and Jonathan Giddens of Lynnwood, Washington; his grandchildren, Amanda and Rick Gladman, Brandon Mills and Kristel Compton, and Melissa Tayon and Brandon Long; and his great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Gutierrez. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Yoshie Harker; and his brothers-in-law, Jim Blaine and his wife, Kathy, and Gary Blaine and Blanche Blaine; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Waiting for him in Heaven are his parents, Ted and Marie Harker; his parents-in-law, Ernest and Wilma Blaine; his infant brother, Danny; his brother, Richard Harker; his sister, Pauline Clark; his nephew, Chuck Harker; his sons-in-law, Phil Tayon and Brad Wright; and all of his friends and fishing buddies who have gone before him.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to Don’s nurse, Samantha, and Margarita and her team of Caregivers at Heartlinks Hospice Adult Family Home for caring for our Dad. 

Viewing and Visitation will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA. Funeral Services will be Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA. Memorials may be made to Heartlinks Hospice and Palliative Care, 3920 Outlook Rd, Sunnyside, WA  98944, or the Tri-Cities Cancer Care Foundation Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation 7350 W. Deschutes Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336

Those wishing to sign Donald’s online memorial book may do so at  www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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