Donald Melvin Brunner

Donald Melvin Brunner, a lifelong Clatsop County resident, died on Oct. 16, 2016, in Renton, Washington. He was born on March 31, 1925, in Olney, to Oscar Brunner and Anna Sunell Brunner. He resided in Olney with his family until the early 1940s when they moved to the Alderbrook area of Astoria, where he continued to live.

Prior to World War II, he was employed by CRPA Cannery, later to become Bumble Bee Seafoods. During the war, he participated in the Normandy invasion with the Blue and Gray 29th Army Infantry Division. After his discharge in 1946, he was employed by Holmes Motor Co. in the body and fender department. Subsequently, he became a logger with W & W Logging, Martin Nygaard Logging and D & R Timber Company. He retired in 1986.

Don was a lifetime member of the Elks, BPOE No. 180, a member of the American Legion Post No. 12 and the Brownsmead Grange. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was especially fond of his two grandchildren, and loved going to their baseball and soccer games.

On June 12, 1948, he married Jean Johnson, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Donna Jean and Eric Moberly of Renton, Washington; two grandchildren, Andrew and Catherine Moberly; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

All of his siblings predeceased him; brothers Chester and Jack Brunner, and sisters Rose (Dotty) Sorensen, Lillian Strom and Betty Schwartzenbach.

At his request, there will be no funeral. A private internment will be at Ocean View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book to leave condolences may be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com