Donald and Betty Eskew
Obituary
Donnie Eskew, 81, of Auburn, WA, went home to Jesus on August 10th, 2020 in Tacoma, WA. His last days were spent in the hospital fighting the effects of his cancer treatment. He is now healed and whole in his eternal home.
Donnie was born in Cullman, Alabama to Claude “Pat” Eskew and Willie Kate Jean on May 22, 1939. He attended school in Roanoke, Alabama. After
graduation, Don served in the U.S. Navy and was based in Pensacola, Florida. After the service, he worked primarily as an electrician and valued being a hard worker in whatever he did. Don also served the majority of his adult life as a minister in the Nazarene church. Whether it was serving children or the elderly, Don was faithful in serving Jesus by caring for others.
Betty Ann Eskew, 75, of Auburn, WA, joined her husband, Donnie, in eternity just 10 days later. Betty met her Savior face to face on August 20th, 2020. After several years battling dementia, she now enjoys rest from the worries and cares of this life. Betty was born in Carrollton, Georgia to Alva and Ora Raburn on September 4. She attended school in Carrollton and helped care for her younger siblings. As an adult, Betty worked mainly in the home caring for their only son, Patrick. She also worked various jobs as a waitress and in childcare. She loved music and children. Betty sang in church choirs, ensembles, solos and worship teams. She truly enjoyed singing whenever she could, especially singing with her family.
Donnie and Betty met on a blind date. They were married November 2, 1963 in Carrollton, GA. Together they lived in various places in Georgia and Alabama before giving birth to their son, Patrick in 1971. In 1974, Don and Betty and Patrick moved to the west coast where they spent the remainder of their lives. They lived the majority of the time in Ceres, California followed by time in Fresno. After retirement, Don and Betty moved up to Washington State in 2004 to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law, and their grandchildren. They enjoyed being surrounded by nature and the new friends they met along the way.
Together, Don and Betty lived full lives and served in church faithfully. They were compassionate to others and treated people with the love modeled to them by Jesus. They valued spending time with friends and made those they came in contact with feel important and loved.
Don and Betty are preceded in death by parents, Claude Eskew and Willie Kate Cook, Alva and Ora Raburn; Don’s brother, Kenneth “Buddy” Eskew; Betty’s siblings, Harvey Raburn, Gerald Raburn, Daniel Raburn, Dale Beasley, & Sheena Raburn.
Don and Betty are survived by their son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Alicia Eskew; their grandchildren, Jacob Eskew, Julianne Eskew, Emily Eskew, and Stori Eskew; Don’s brothers, Bobby Hill and Bill Hill; Betty’s sisters, Brenda White and Delana Hammond.
The family of Don and Betty wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Tacoma
General Hospital staff for their wonderful care for Dad in his last days. We also are grateful to the staff of Amazing Days Family home for their excellent care of Mom over these last months. The family also is thankful for the support of many family and friends including Journey Church and Federal Way Church of the Nazarene.
Don and Betty will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent,
Washington on Friday, September 25, 2020.
Our closest friends . They were family. We spent many vacations together and loved the time we had together. We loved them and miss them. Praying for you. Love John and Alice
Paul and Roberta Hoyt
As we served together on Progressive Zone, CCD, WE came to treasure and appreciate Don and Betty’s faithfulness to God and the Church. We were glad to have Don supply in our pulpit many times over those 36 years in Riverbank.
May God bless their memory. Well done, Eskews! The kingdom is fuller because of your ministry!
Paul
Jewell William’s, Bob and Marie Hughes
We loved your
R mom and dad . They were sweet people loving and.caring.