Donald C. Schmick, "Mr. Colfax", died peacefully on January 13, 2018. He was born at home in Endicott, Washington on June 21st, 1922, to C.G. and Hattie (Meineke) Schmick. He was the third of seven kids and grew up with his siblings on the family homestead in Endicott where he helped his Dad farm. He was both a good student and a good athlete and after graduating from High School in 1940, he attended Washington State College where he was an active member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and where he met his future wife Emily June Huffman. After studying at WSU for 3 years, Don enlisted in Naval Officer School and was transferred to midshipmen school at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. He received his commission on May 10, 1944 and married Emily June two days later on May 12th, 1944. He served in the US Navy and fought in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he finished his service, and was honorably discharged as a full lieutenant. He then returned to college, this time at Willamette University where he finished with a Bachelors of Arts. With WWII and his college days behind him, he and his wife moved back to the Palouse, making their home on a farm outside of Colfax, Washington, where they raised three sons, Douglas Lloyd, Donald Greg, and Paul Conrad.
During his decades in Colfax, Don was not only a dedicated husband and father, but also a devoted member of the community in which he worked and lived. He started Schmick Insurance Agency, promoted and organized Whitman County Hospital and helped start the Colfax Division of Spokane Community College, he planned and coordinated several trips to all parts of the world through the Whitman County Travel Agency. He also worked with other producers and business men in the area to create the Bank of Whitman. Throughout it all, he was a life long supporter of Washington State Athletics, with over 50 years of giving, earning Diamond Donor Status while being an active Alumni and fan. In addition to these professional activities, Don was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Colfax.
Don is survived by two sons, Greg and Paul Schmick, two sisters Dorothy Nicely and Lorraine Beardemphl, seven grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were dearly loved and cherished by him. His wife, Emily June, preceded him in death in 2005 as did his oldest son, Douglas Lloyd, in 2016. Don and his great spirit will be missed by many. Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 20th at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Colfax with burial following in the Colfax Cemetery. Don will lie in repose at Bruning Funeral Home Wednesday through Friday should friends wish to stop by. Memorial gifts in his memory are suggested to the Whitman Hospital Foundation, 1200 W. Fairview, Colfax, WA. 99111. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is caring for the family.