Donald Merton Ehinger, age 85, originally of Omak, Washington, passed away on October 5, 2022, in Meridian, Idaho. Don was the youngest of 3 children, born to Max Joseph and Wilda Amanda (Spaulding) Ehinger, on Nov. 19, 1936. He lived in the small town of Omak until joining the Navy at age 17 (the recruiter may have been led to believe he was 18)! He met his best friend, and future wife, Mary Jane McLean when he was 14. They dated on and off throughout high school and were married on December 19, 1955. They immediately moved to San Diego where Don was stationed and spent the next 22 years traveling the world and making friendships that would last a lifetime. Don earned accolades for his marksmanship skills as well as many good conduct commendations. He went from active duty as a submariner to working for the Department of Defense for the Navy and was recognized by the "Top Brass" for his contribution to a new training program he helped develop and implement. He loved to fly and held a pilot's license for many years. He would fly his family whenever he got the chance, although his wife was not a big fan! He also built and flew remote control planes...not little ones...the really cool big ones that men like to play with when they are young at heart. He spent many weekends with Shelley and Marielle taking them to horse shows and showing off his riding skills. He loved shooting skeet with Max into the canyon behind the house. He rebuilt cars with Reed and would talk about the Gremlin they rigged up with a 'rocket ship' engine. He was always quick to loan his handyman skills to any project and loved to make things from wood. He built a fireplace mantle in his daughter's house, homemade cradles and beautiful hope chests. When he moved to Idaho, he spent many hours making charcuterie boards and any other project Shelley came up with, including the sturdiest garden boxes you will ever see. He loved to watch his great-grandchildren play. Don could tell a good Navy story with the best of them and loved to share his experiences to any listening ear. He has an unshakable testimony of Jesus Christ and dedicated many years to caring for his wife, who suffered from Alzheimer's. Donald was a generous friend, a dedicated father and a loyal husband for 66 earth years. He liked to say "I know your mom is sitting on a beach waiting for me"...so I hope he's wearing some good sunblock!

"How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf