Donald E. Wiles' Obituary
Don was born in Mound City, MO on July 17, 1922, the son of Esley and Maude Wiles. As a child the family moved to Ennis, MT to live on his grandfatherÂ's cattle ranch. It was there, growing up with his beloved uncle and friend, Rom, that Don acquired his life-long love of the outdoors, and became an avid hunter and fisherman.Don lost his mother at an early age. His father then married Ruth Frissell and they moved to Tacoma. Esley and Ruth together had four children: Alan, Wayne, James and Joyce.He enlisted in the Army in 1940. During World War II, Don served admirably as an artilleryman in Germany and France. He returned to Tacoma after the war and joined the US Postal Service in 1946. During this time, he met Mildred Smith, and married her in November 1947. Their daughter Rita was born in 1949. After serving as a postman for thirty one years, Don retired in 1977.His favorite pastimes included camping, dancing, and reading. Don cherished family get-togethers and socializing with his many friends.Don is survived by his daughter Rita Wiles-Swanson, granddaughter Shari Smith, grandson Michael Burleigh, great-grandson Seth Burleigh, his sister Joyce Ford, and many nieces, nephews and friends.Graveside services will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at Mountain View Memorial Park.
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