Don David Irons
April 27, 1939 - September 7, 2016
Obituary
Don David Irons
Don David Irons, 77, of Burien, Washington passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2016. He was one of nine children born to Muffard and Alice Irons in Tuttle, ND.
As a young man, Don moved to Seattle and eventually opened his first service station, a Texaco at the corner of 4th & Lander. Other businesses included a 76 station and OK Tire in Burien. After successfully running his own businesses for years, he worked for Seattle Refrigeration prior to retiring.
Don met and married the love of his life, Sherrill Peterson in 1963.
The song Sherry Baby was popular at the time they met and remained a sentimental reminder of their love story throughout their lives.
Sons Joe and Gary often worked with Don at the service stations on Saturdays.
He developed a strong work ethic in both sons at a very young age.
Don joined the Burien Elks in the 1960’s and served in numerous leadership roles. He and Sherri developed many lifelong friendships through this association and again later with the Burien Eagles.
There was always an open door at the Irons home. Friends and family always knew they were welcome to stop by for a cup of coffee or a cold drink, and always good conversation and maybe an impromptu party.
Don completed many home improvement projects, including additions to the family home. He could be counted on to drop everything when someone needed assistance with their own home repair. Sherri kept a beautiful home and Don was always willing to do the heavy lifting to keep their home updated. His yard was a source of pride. It was well tended with beautiful flowers in the spring, and thousands of Christmas lights during the season to delight Sherri, the grandkids, and neighbors. When his beloved wife became ill, he was her knight in shining armor. He cooked their meals, cleaned the home, and above all loved and comforted her 24 hours a day. After Sherri passed, and Don was diagnosed with cancer he often said he was relieved Sherri wasn’t here because she would be so worried about him. Theirs was a love story in the very truest sense.
As a grandpa, Don had special nicknames for the grandchildren he loved so dearly. “the Squirt” the “Lil Punkin” and “Little Tiger” By the age of two each grandchild was introduced to Dove Bars . . . Grandpa only served the best to his grandkids. And starting the tradition with them so young, he would hold the Dove Bar while they sat on the kitchen counter.
Through the years Don would share his philosophy to “Stand Tall” through life with his sons and son’s friends. He didn’t complain about the years he endured neuropathy pain from shingles. After his cancer diagnosis, Don told very few people. He didn’t want anyone to worry about him, and in the beginning, took himself to appointments. He made the staff at Highline Cancer Center smile every week and remark on his resilience.
Don is survived by his sons, Joe (Therese) Camas, WA and Gary (Lindsay) Chandler, AZ. Grandchildren Deaira, Brianne, and Logan. Siblings, Jim Irons Harvey, N. Dakota, Dorothy Fox, Edmunds, WA, Robert Irons, Lincoln, NE, and Joan Beuck of Surprise, AZ. He is also survived by loving friends and neighbors who helped him so much during the most difficult days.
Don, you inspired us with your love, bravery, and humor. As we continue on without you we will be lifted up by the memories of your strength and it will encourage us to Stand Tall until we meet again.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one, please accept my condolences during this painful time. Losing a loved one is distressing and as comfort is needed from family and friends, it is my hope your family will find comforting the promise at Isaiah 25:8 where we are assured that soon “death will be swallowed up forever.” It is my hope your family will find the strength to endure during the days ahead.
Don was a true gentleman and as said in his obituary, a helper of friends. Don was a Huge Help to us when we moved from Renton to Burien. We are saddened that he lost his battle with cancer but know he is with his wife, Sherri, whom he loved and cared for during her illness not so long ago. He was a dedicated caregiver. We are sorry we have to gather so soon after her loss. To his sons and family, you had an amazing Dad. We will miss Don.