Donald Earl Oliver, 94

Donald E. Oliver, 94, of Lakewood, Calif., passed away Jan. 17, 2025, at Ivy Park Assisted living in La Palma, Calif., after a period of declining health.

Donald Earl Oliver was born Aug. 30, 1930, in Colburn, Idaho, the son of Earl and Bonnie Oliver (nee Hohn). He went to school in Colburn and Sandpoint, Idaho.

Donald Oliver graduated from high school in 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1949. He graduated from Montana State University in 1959 with a degree in business administration.

Don worked for Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance Company as a claims adjuster in Glendale and Torrence, Calif., until he retired in 1991. 

During his time in California, Don became an avid tennis and bridge player and as a result made some special lifelong friends including his roommate, Albert Mrofka, as well as his longtime girlfriend, Barbara Ann Pattee. Don and Barbara were lifelong tennis double partners and continued to play tennis into their 80s.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Veronica (Bonnie) Rushlow; his father, Earl Oliver; his step-mother, Alice Oliver; his grandparents, Charles and Mary Oliver, and Fred and Annie Hohn. His best friend, Al Mrofka, died in 2024 as did his lifelong friend from Sandpoint, Kikie Kramer. He is survived by his lifelong girlfriend, Barbara Ann Pattee; and a multitude of first cousins from the Oliver and Hohn families.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the Coffelt Funeral Chapel in Sandpoint with Pastor Brad Ormonde, Beaumont, Calif., officiating. A graveside service will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Sandpoint. There will be a viewing the day before on Monday, Feb. 10, from 2-5 p.m. at Coffelt Funeral Home, for those who want to have a private moment to say goodbye.