Donn Walls Passes Away at 79
Donald Gene “Donn” Walls of Hermiston passed peacefully on Nov. 16, 2018 in Hermiston at the age of 79.
He was born on April 1, 1939 in La Grande to Elbert and Eleanor Walls.
Donn started his education in Hermiston when the family moved here during the war, his father working on the construction of the Umatilla Ordnance Depot. Donn attended Umatilla schools and graduated from UHS in 1957. He went on to Oregon State University and graduated from there four years later with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Donn worked for Pfizer for many years after he graduated from OSU and lived in Arizona. While living in Arizona he indulged in his love for Arabian horses, raising them and showing them. Donn remained active with the Umatilla High School Alumni Association and served as an officer and board member for many years.
When Donn attended OSU, he rented living space where he worked at the college greenhouse. He loved working with the beautiful plants and flowers, and he created an aviary with many varieties of birds. His experience led him to own and operate a florist shop and an additional tea house and gift shop in Danville, Calif. He sold the shops in California and moved back to Hermiston in 1988. He wanted to spend time with his mother during her remaining years.
Donn had a passion for real estate, so he attended the classes obtaining realtor status and went to work for Universal ERA Realty. An opportunity arose for him to purchase his own real estate company, so he became a Century 21 office. Donn received many awards over the years, from Centurion Producer 2005, to president-elect of our local real estate board in 2002, then president of the board in 2003, and Realtor of the Year in 2008. Donn’s genuine desire to assist clients with their real estate needs became so well known, he no longer needed national advertising so became an independent, Hermiston Realty.
Donn was an exchange student to British Honduras while in college and he also served in the National Guard. Donn was an avid supporter of promotions and fund-raising events that benefitted the community. He was president of Hermiston Kiwanis and looked forward to his projects planned for the year.
Donn is survived by sister Betty Nobles (Clyde) of Umatilla; brother Gary Walls (Kathy) of Ione; nieces, Kimberly Nobles of Hermiston, Kristi Nobles-Fisher (Steve) of Bellevue, Wash. and Senie Harris (Bobby) of Irrigon; nephews, Kelly Nobles (Terri) of Umatilla and Gary Dean Walls of Ione; many grandnieces and nephews; and his longtime friend Travis Rock. Donn never married or had children of his own, but his family and friends and their children regarded him as their “favorite uncle” for his compassion and love.
Donn was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donn’s memory may be made to Umatilla High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1144, Umatilla, Ore., 97882 or Kiwanis, P.O. Box 375, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
