Donald H. Robblee's Obituary
Donald H. Robblee
Donald H. Robblee Don passed away at home June 8, 2012. He was 88 years old.
He is survived by his children Kenneth, Jennifer (Eric) Helmer, and grandchildren, William, Elizabeth and Victoria Helmer.
A service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park in Tacoma, Wednesday, June 20th at 1:30 pm. in the Aspen Chapel. Reception immediately following.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
Full Obituary:
Don was born at home in Milton, WA on March 12, 1924. He passed away, June 8, 2012 at home in Tacoma. He was 88 years old. He was baptized in the Presbyterian Church.
His mother, Edith Miethke, was born in Fife; her parents were born in Germany. The Miethke family owned a nursery in Milton. His father, Philip Theodore (Ted) Robblee, was one of the Six Robblees. We can trace the Robblee family back to the mid 1700s, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Don had an older brother Ted Jr. who was killed in action in World War II. His younger brother, Jim, lives in Puyallup. Don and Jim were very close; they spoke everyday and saw each other often. Don also has two half sisters Marian-deceased, Marilyn and a half brother Robert Pettinger, of Tacoma. He has many cousins from both his mother's and father's side.
Don served in the United States Air Force 1945-1949 as an airplane crew chief at both McChord AFB and in Japan during the occupation. After his discharge at McChord, he went back to Japan as a civilian to marry Kaye Sumiko. He was in charge of the PX and the base motor pool as an Air Force civilian. After returning to the USA in 1953, they had two children, Kenneth and Jennifer.
Donald worked for 35 years as lead mechanic at Boeing; working on military aircraft such as the B-52, as well as the 707, 727, 737 and 747 passenger jets. He also had the privilege of working on several Air Force One presidential aircraft. Don was named Boeing Employee of the Month for May 1978. He also received several other commendations during his tenure.
After retirement he traveled by motor home along the west coast and cared for his wife, Kaye. They were married for 46 years until her passing in 1997. Don also enjoyed running errands for Ken's business, always eager to help. In his later years, after Kaye passed away, he spent a lot of time with his brother Jim, cousins, and walking his dog, Maggie. Ken especially enjoyed the frequent lengthy conversations with his dad during his last year. Don enjoyed hearing about his grandchildren and coming to watch their events. He enjoyed going to the Tacoma AM-VETS club, and frequented 2 local taverns to feel more youthful by being around younger people. He made friends easily and enjoyed telling stories. He had a happy disposition. He was kind, generous, and friendly and didn't let things worry him. He was a great dad, grandfather, brother and friend.
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