Donald Rudell Shervey, age 97, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019. Don was born November 25, 1921 in Columbus, North Dakota to Severin and Ovedia Shervey. He was the oldest of five children. Don made the best of living so far north and spent his time skiing and ice skating. He and his friends had their fun together, occasionally hopping trains. When Don was in his early twenties the family moved to the St Johns Woods of Portland, Oregon, where work was plentiful in the shipyards.
Don enlisted in the Army in 1942. He was sent to Normandy during WWII and served various campaigns throughout Europe, earning him a Bronze Star. He went on to attend college in Germany studying Mechanics. Donald also saw combat in the Korean War.
Upon returning to the States, Don secured work in the log mills. After working for some time within that industry he made the switch to working for Multnomah County. He started as a painter and worked his way up to Painting Supervisor/Inspector. He worked for the county until his retirement.
In 1959 Don joined the Cascade Sports Car Club and ended up being a lifetime member. He was also member of the Continental Team. Don participated in many Rose Cups and had a hand in starting the Portland International Raceway in what was the Vanport neighborhood or Portland. Don drove in the Rose Parade and St Johns Parade. His name is recorded in Historical Racing of Portland. He won many awards for racing, including the Northwest Champion B Improved Production. At the age of 90 he traveled to Indianapolis to drive the Indy car track. His car wouldn’t start at the beginning of the race. It finally started when the others were about ¾ around the track. He caught up to the back of the pack going 180 mph and was the oldest driver to top that speed in history! Of course Don was in many accidents, but Don's explanation... they were never his fault.
Don was the father of 10 children. Donny, Linda, Gary, Wayne, Randy & Ronda; Dennis, Debbie, Curtis, and Dawn; fourteen grandchildren, thirty four great-grandchildren and five great-great-children, the newest born Christmas Day 2018.
Don really enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved ballroom dancing. If he wasn’t working on cars in the backyard or out driving, he was having a blast dancing. He also went to many swap meets. Don was also a talented artist; drawing being his strong suit. He was always doodling something!
Donald was preceded in death by; father Severin Shervey; mother Ovedia Shervey; all of his siblings: Arlene, Earl, Andy, Merlyn and their spouses; and children Donny Dotson, Gary Shervey, Wayne Shervey, Dennis Shervey, and Curtis Shervey.
Don will be remembered as an exhilarating man with great charisma! Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Shervey family.
The family wishes to thank Kaiser Hospice Care and Home Health Providers for their help, care, and compassion for our father. A very big thank you with great appreciation to Wendy and her dog Shelby for her long in home care for Dad. The family also wishes to thank Michelle and Ryan of Skyline Memorial Gardens for their kind and compassionate help, and Chaplain Larry Hansen.
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