Donald Philip Rummell

Born February 18th, 1927, to Gertrude Kinney and Daniel D. Rummell in Missoula, Montana, Donald came to Astoria in his teens. He joined the US Navy on his 17th birthday. Don received Oregon Congressional recognition in 2010 for his WW2 service, and was awarded his High School diploma from Hellgate High School in Missoula, MT, the same year.

September 3rd, 1949, Don was married to Marie Clara Laferriere, also of Astoria. They had 16 children: Donna, Martha, Rebecca, Claudette (deceased in 2007), David, Julie, Tim, Luke, Joel, Max, Rosemarie, Laura, Kurt, Paul, Anthony (deceased 2000) and Anne. Don is survived by a sister, Clara White of Pleasant Hill, Oregon, a sister-in-law, Doris Rummell of Astoria, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At 63 years of age he left his job at Ocean View Cemetery, his workplace of 38 years. He passed his able bodied seaman test, and joined the merchant marines. He worked at sea for Texaco, returning home at his family's request when the Gulf War broke out. He returned to work for the City of Astoria and City of Warrenton for some years, then Hauke's, until they closed, then worked at Worldmark in Seaside until his retirement in 2006. Donald loved work, and would admonish those who said, “I have to got to work,” to say instead, “I get to go to work.”

Donald was active in his parish, St. Mary, Star of the Sea, his entire life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and devoted many hours in service to his faith. He was a dedicated and devout example to his family, particularly regarding his prayer, his service to church and his tireless service to community.

Donald was widely known and loved in the 12 step recovery world, celebrating 30 continuous years' sobriety August 13th, 2012. He had a special love for his brothers and sisters in recovery, where he was known as “Stand Up Don” because his peers early on in recovery urged him to “stand up and be counted.”

Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15th, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea church in Astoria, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., graveside service at Ocean View Cemetery, then a reception at St. Mary, Star of the Sea auditorium.

Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign the online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com