He was born on Jan. 18, 1948 in Sanford, Maine to Roland Eugene and Elsie Marie Leleivre DuBois. Don graduated from Sanford High School in the class of 1966. He joined the United States Navy in January of 1967 and served 2½ tours in Vietnam. During his 3rd tour Don was injured and was honorably discharge in March of 1970. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.
Don moved to Hermiston in 1970 and worked for Marlette Homes then building custom homes in the Hermiston area before hiring on at the Umatilla Army Depot in 1979. While at the Army Depot he received many accommodations for his outstanding work ethic. He was on the shooting team for the Army Depot, earning many trophies for his marksmanship. Don was united in marriage to LaVonne Smith in 1977 and helped to raise her four sons. Don was a devoted husband and father, living his life for his wife, sons, and grandchildren. Don had one dream and that dream was to spend the winters down south after retirement. God granted him that wish for fi e months before he was diagnosed with cancer and returned home to be with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, LaVonne DuBois, Hermiston; daughter, Holly Ramsdell, Illinois; sons, Jerry G. Foley Jr (Laura), Jeffrey D. Foley (Robin), and Christopher J. Foley, all of Hermiston; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bob DuBois; and son, Darrell A. Foley.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 4 p.m. at the Umatilla Baptist Church, 146 Columbia St., in Umatilla.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
