Don Ehnat's Obituary
Don Ehnat, husband, dad, Poppi, brother, uncle, sailor and friend, was surrounded by his 4 children as he was ushered into eternity on August 28th, 2022. Don was born October 13th, 1942 at St. Joseph’s hospital to Joe and Bernice Ehnat.
He grew up in Tacoma and was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1960. He was also a proud U.P.S. logger (Go Lutes!). Don honorably served in the U.S. Navy and retired in 1991. His civilian vocations included working for Tacoma City Light and the State of Washington where he was an electrical inspector and a member of the IBEW Local 46.
Don was well known for his community service which included serving St. Joseph’s Parish, the Big Brother program, the Northwood PTA, and the Mountain View Lutheran Food Bank. Don was a dedicated donor through the Pierce County Blood Bank and just received his award for his 50th gallon of O+ life saving blood. If you were really lucky, you were on one of Coach Don’s many teams. He had a passion for mentoring and spent decades coaching hundreds of kids in basketball, baseball, softball and soccer. Though he loved coaching throughout Pierce County, he was partial to the East Side Boys and Girls Club. Don was recognized for his dedication to the community when he was the recipient of the Ben Cheyney Youth Coach of the Year award in 1989. While Don had many great teams, the greatest team was that of his family.
He began his team in 1967 when he married the love of his life, Leanne Jean. They moved from Tacoma to Edgewood to raise their family which included 4 children, Teri, Cheryl, Katie and Joe. Don often was seen coaching his children, attending concerts and PTA events, and shuttling around neighborhood kids.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Delores, brother-in-law Leon, and his wife Leanne (2005).
He is survived by his brothers Tom (Elizabeth) and Jerry, his daughters Teri, Cheryl (Deon), Katie, his son Joseph (Charles), his 6 grandkids, Brandon, Tyson, Jalen, Leah, Jeremiah and Mia Jo Christine, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood through a local organization in honor of Don Ehnat or making a financial donation to the Boys and Girls Club Milgard Family Eastside Branch.
The Ehnat and Moyd families invite you to celebrate Don’s life with them at First Baptist Church of Lakewood on September 8th, 2022 at 10:30am (reception following) followed by a graveside service at Mountain View Funeral Home at 1:30pm.
In honor of the many roles Don played in his life, feel free to wear clothing to reflect his special connection to you.
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