Donald Earl Gilliland

Donald Earl Gilliland was born in Plainview, Texas on October 28th, 1935. He was the son of Raymond Wesley Gilliland and Lois Beatrice Rigler. He passed away February 28th, 2017 at the age of 81. Don spent his early years in Coronado Island, California before joining the Air Force in 1955 where he served at Fairchild Air Force base in Spokane, WA. While in the military he met his wife Carol Davis and the two were married on September 3rd of 1957. Carol preceded him in death on October 5th, 1997. Don and Carol had 3 beautiful boys, Randal Scott, Darren Earl, and Charles Robert. Don enjoyed spending time with his family, he loved telling stories and spending as much time with his grandchildren as he could. You would often find Don coaching his boys in athletics, hunting deer and elk in the pacific northwest, and going on road trips with his grand kids. Don was very passionate about his time in the military as well as his time with Kaiser Aluminum. He spent 40 years of his career with Kaiser Aluminum, starting as an engineer and finishing as a Project Manager when he retired in 2003. Don is survived by his two sisters Doris Ward and Suzie Guaderrama of Southern California. Don was preceded in death by his only brother Corky Gilliland also from Southern California. He is also survived by two of his sons Randal Scott and Darren Earl of Spokane, Washington. His youngest son Charles Robert preceded him in death in 2000. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday March 10th at 11am at Riplinger Funeral Home 4305 N Division St. Spokane, WA 99207, there will be a viewing between 9am and 10am on Friday. Contact Riplinger to schedule a private viewing, Tuesday through Thursday (509 483-8558). In lieu of flowers; should our friends desire memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Autism Center, 528 E Spokane Falls Blvd. Suite #14 Spokane, WA 99202 or www.nwautism.org