Don Eli

Donald William Eli finished his journey in life on July 7th, 2023. Don passed away at the age of 96 with his wife, Patsy, by his side. Don was born May 24th, 1927, to Bill and Sylva Eli. He is proceeded in death by his brother, Robert, his father, Bill, his mother, Sylva and his daughter, Calli. As a child, Don’s parents fostered a closeness through family reunions and get-togethers with many of his extended family. He attended Chelan schools and in the 5th grade, discovered his passion – baseball. Besides baseball, he also competed in football, basketball and swimming in high school. At the age of 17, he persuaded his mother to give consent to join the Navy. He was assigned to the ship The Wisconsin where his job was to copy code. His 18 months on The Wisconsin were primarily spent in the Pacific. He later received his high school diploma in 2003 because of his military service. Upon returning from military service, he wed Phyllis Reeves, made his home in Chelan and had 4 children. He was married to Phyllis for 35 years. Over the years, Don worked at the local lumber mill and in the field of carpentry. He opened and operated a sporting goods store for 10 years and later added a Dairy Queen ice cream shop next to the sport shop. He had a variety of jobs in the apple industry culminating in 28 years as the manager for Cascadian Fruit Shipping. Don was a drummer and played in small groups locally. He was a member of the Chelan Gun Club and the Eagles organization. He loved to play the card game Panguingue and would play cards in both Chelan and Wenatchee. Throughout his life, Don never abandoned his love for baseball. He coached Little League, Babe Ruth and Adult Softball while playing in as many games as possible. He shared his knowledge of baseball with many young men in the community and very much enjoyed the experience. Don was one of the 15 original inductees in the Wenatchee Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Never one to miss a baseball game, he played until the age of 80. In 1999, Don married Patsy Wilson. They were active in programs at the Senior Center and had many family get-togethers. Playing chair volleyball at the Senior Center became another form of competition that Don loved. He and Patsy were married for 24 years. Don is survived by his loving wife, Patsy, 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Daughter- Terri Gowan (Dennis) grandchildren- Kelsey, Kris great-grandchildren – Sloane, Nolan, Delaney, Addison Son-Mitchell Eli grandchildren – Corrie, Cassie, Megan, Cody great-grandchildren –Riley, McKenzie Andrew, Josh Daughter-Mitzi Baker (Randy) grandchildren- Kyli, Kami, Kris great-grandchildren- Hannah, Taden, Tabor, Tyanna, Alice Jean, Aubrey Step-daughter – Darla Angel grandson- Tanner Angel Don will be put to rest at 11:00 am July 21st at Fraternal Cemetery in Chelan, WA with a reception following at the Baker residence at 331 E. Nixon, Chelan, WA. The family would like to thank the Prestige Colonial Vista Assisted Living and Confluence Health Hospital for the excellent care they took with our loved one. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to a charity of your choice.

Don Eli

May 24, 1927 - July 7, 2023