Donald Duane Bauermeister

Donald Duane Bauermeister, longtime resident of Basin City, passed away on April 25, 2018. He spent his last years living in Hermiston, Oregon, with his second wife of 13 years, Kathleen.

Don was born October 26, 1935, to Theresa Warfield Bauermeister and Lester John Bauermeister. For much of his early life he lived and worked on the family farm outside Connell, Washington.

It was there he met his first wife, and mother of his four children, Jeanene. From there they would buy land outside of Basin City where Don would spend the greater part of his life. It is there that he built his legacy as a family man and a man of the community. Among his many accomplishments are 39 years as Franklin County District 4 Fire Chief, Benton/Franklin Fair Board member and chairman, Franklin County Ag Hall of Fame inductee with wife Jeanene, and Inland Northwest Musicians board member. He was most proud of being a member for 62 years of the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association and held the position of treasurer for 60 years.

After the passing of his first wife, Jeanene, he married his second wife Kathleen. In later years he and Kathleen moved to Hermiston, Ore., where he passed away.

Don is survived by his wife Kathleen; his two daughters, Laurie Bauermeister and Carrie Soggie (Layne); and stepchildren Randy (Carol), Holly (Phil) and Mitchell (Sally). Along with his children, Don left many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who love him dearly, and also many beloved neighbors, friends, extend family and loved ones who are too numerous to name. They were blessed to have him in their lives.

The service celebrating his life will take place Saturday, May 12th, 1:30 p.m. at the Columbia Basin Jr. Livestock Show sale barn, located south of the Connell High School, 1100 W. Clark Road, Connell, Wash. His family is inviting all who would wish to share in the festivities celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Don Bauermeister Franklin County Agricultural Scholarship Fund. He said if agriculture is going to survive, “Its all about the kids.”

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