Donald Leroy Pulliam

On Memorial Day Don lost his struggle to obtain a new heart valve. He never lost hope or the will to get better so he could go back to the things he loved most - fishing, working in his yard and selling pepperoni and jerky at the Yakima Farmer's Market.

Don was born on July 15, 1926 to Alma and Glen Pulliam in Tekoa, Washington. Much of his childhood was spent in Buena, Prosser and Walla Walla.

Don joined the Army in WWII and served in the Philippines at Sebu, then later was with the first units to enter Japan after the war was declared over. He was recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, Philippines Liberation with Star, Asiatic Pacific with Star and the Victory Medal. He was forever proud of his Army service and supported the Armed Services throughout his life.

Don was a gifted salesman. He, as they say, "could sell ice to Eskimos." His favorite sales were for "Big Toy" playground equipment, which saw him travel the globe. Also, in his later years, he loved selling his garden statuary at various locations about the valley, then at the Farmer's Market selling delicious products for his special friends Larry and Barb at Nile Valley Meats.

Don is survived by his former wife and companion of the last 10 years, Lorraine Erickson; his sister, Audaley Bloomer; sons John Pulliam, David Pulliam and Lee Pulliam; daughters Donna (Ed) Stemen and Dawn Burwell; nieces Pat (Ross) Herber, Linda (Steve) Thompson, Nancy Reese, Debbie (Don) Gantter, Margo (Larry) Savio; nephew Bryant Cornelius as well as his many friends and relatives in Lorraine's family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother Johnnie, his daughter Laurie, niece Paula Mohns and husband David.

We wish to thank Kari Brewer, PA-C and Dr. David Krueger of the Yakima Heart Center, Dr. Mark Riesman, Dr. Leitner and Liz Perpetua, ARNP of the Swedish Coronary Surgery Unit, the staffs at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill Campus for their loving care of Don. We are forever grateful.

A Celebration of Don's life with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel. To share a memory of Don visit www.keithandkeith.com.