Donald Ray Mitts

Donald Ray Mitts, 59, died Nov. 25 at Grande Ronde Hospital. No services are planned at this time.

Don was born Nov. 30, 1949, to Roy Oliver and Fairy Mabell (Keys) Mitts in Richland, Wash. He moved to La Grande from Kansas in 1974. He received two Purple Hearts from serving in the Army, and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He drove trucks for the state, the Yates and Boise Cascade. He then worked as a diesel mechanic for several years, then drove fuel trucks and did other driving. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on cars.

He is survived by his significant other, Catherine Hoyt of La Grande; mother, Fairy Hammerberg of Baker City; sons, Shane Mitts of Sequim, Wash., and Chad Mitts of Port Angeles, Wash.; brothers Jerry Mitts of Haines and Bert Mitts of Spokane, Wash.; sisters, Janet Mitts of West Richland, Wash., and Donna Hardy of Richland, Wash.; several nieces and nephews; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; and brothers, Gail and Wayne.

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